GCC Action
Address
8712 Quincy Ave
Cleveland
OH
44106
United States
Justice for Our Children: A Public Hearing to End Abuse of
Discretionary Youth Bindover
What Is Discretionary Bindover?
In Ohio, a county prosecutor can recommend that a juvenile court judge transfer a youth’s case
directly to adult court to be tried and, if the youth is convicted, to be sentenced to an adult prison.
What Are the Negative Effects of Discretionary Youth Bindover?
■ Bindover does not reduce crime; it decreases community safety.
■ Bindover of youth has serious negative consequences such as increased recidivism and increased
chance of suicide.
■ Bindover deprives our youth of access to a wide range of rehabilitative services offered by the
juvenile court.
What Is the Abuse of Discretionary Bindover in Cuyahoga County?
■ Cuyahoga County sends the largest number of Black youth per capita to adult court of any county in
Ohio.
■ Less than 30% of Cuyahoga County’s population are persons of color; yet 91% of youth bound over
to the adult system in our county are Black or Brown.
■ Cuyahoga County binds over many more youth than similar urban counties. From 2018-2020, its
bindover rate was six times higher than Franklin County and four times higher than Hamilton
County. Yet, no policy or plan exists to reduce the practice of bindover in Cuyahoga County.
Why Should You Attend This Public Hearing?
■ You will join other members of GCC in publicly calling for an end to abuse of discretionary youth
bindover in Cuyahoga County.
■ You will hear testimonials from youth who have been bound over about their experiences.
■ You will learn about programs and policies that have worked to reduce discretionary bindover in
similar urban counties.
■ You will hear presentations of recommendations for changes in practice and policy to reduce
discretionary youth bindover in Cuyahoga County.
Contact Susan Paxson susan@paxson.us or Ellen Hansen-Ellis ehansenellis@gmail.com if you want to go in person and would like to carpool.
Register here whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEldeyuqj4vG9S95WV76F940ZS58XdpX6kR
