I am asking the question about why we consider 18 the age of adulthood and not the age of 25 when brain development is complete. I would like input from anyone who has worked with children, teenagers and even adults with ACE's as this does affect thought and behavior.
Washington State legislators are being asked to consider a bill that eliminates life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) or "virtual life" (over 20 years) for those sentenced under the age of 18. I addressed with the attorney writing the bill the idea of making the cut off age 25 based on the scientific data that the brain does not complete development until around the age of 25. I brought up the very common knowledge, that a very large percentage of people sentenced to prison under the age of 25 had been exposed to ACE's in their lives and that played a role in their actions. I shared that not only are those under the age of 25 the most receptive to rehabilitation, have lower recidivism rates with education but the long term effects of ACE's are, with support, reversible. Yet we make 18 the cut off .. what is different between an 18 and 19 year old or even an 18 and 21 year old ? .. maybe by 25 we are able to think different but having a 21 year old son myself I see that he is in no way able sometimes, to put rational thinking behind some of the experiences that cause emotional responses and he has had a very calm and uneventful childhood compared with others.
His challenge to me was to get what opinions and information I could from professionals and experts in the field that could be shared with the legislators that could convince them that what I believe in is rational ... So I would appreciate any and all input !!!!
Thank you in advance