Imposing new mandatory minimum sentences for children would likely impose harsher penalties on youthful offenders than adult criminals guilty of the same offenses. Opening juvenile records and allowing for broad dissemination of these records would have devastating consequences for the future employment and education of many children. No legislation that is serious about reducing crime and delinquency can deny the merits of crime prevention programs. We need to dedicate funds specifically for prevention programs if we are to see real dollars going toward programs that keep children safe and out of trouble. Exclude any amendment that would increase the unsupervised time of any kids who are expelled or suspended from school by denying them educational services.
Schools already can immediately suspend or expel students who bring weapons to school.
Nothing in IDEA prevents them from doing so. When students display behavior meriting suspension or expulsion, it is a warning signal that it is time to start looking for the causes of the problem and to provide the proven social skills services that can lead them to a healthier path. Personal contacts are extremely helpful in educating members of Congress about how they can help children, adolescents and their families with mental illnesses. Please read this disclaimer.