Below is testimony from Amanda, a FFLIC Member and Mother, that she gave in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding SB 74, which would funnel more youth into adult courts. Thanks to the powerful advocacy and testimony of families, youth, and community members, the bill was defeated. Session ended on June 12, 2025, and we are celebrating the win by amplifying Amanda’s testimony below.
My name is Amanda, and I’m a member of FFLIC. I’m a mother who has two sons who’ve been caught up in the youth justice system. Our first experience was about ten years ago, and it’s been a long, hard road ever since.
Both of my boys were kids with learning problems and mental health challenges. But when they got into trouble, they were treated like adults and instead of receiving support, they were punished. And the truth is, kids aren’t adults. Their brains aren’t even fully developed yet — they don’t have the wisdom or experience to make grown-up decisions. Kids make mistakes. They should have the chance to learn from them, not have their whole future thrown away.
When my sons entered the system, everything got worse. There wasn’t real education or mental health help, and there were no life skills to get them on the right track. It was all about punishment, not support. And dealing with the system was traumatizing — for him and for our whole family.
That’s why I’m asking you to vote no on SB 74.
This bill would send more kids straight to adult courts. And no matter what anybody says, once you move a kid into adult court, it’s a whole different world. It’s harsher and it’s more about punishment than helping kids or giving them a second chance. Instead, it takes them even farther away from the help they need to turn their lives around.
We know the youth system isn’t perfect, but at least it is set up to provide kids with the help they need. Sending youth directly to the adult system offers no options for getting back on track- it’s like locking them up and throwing away the key to their futures. And no child should be treated as a throwaway. We can’t turn our backs on the kids who most need love and support. As a mother, I cannot let this happen to my child or anyone’s child.
Real safety isn’t about being tougher. Real safety is giving our kids what they need — education, counseling, jobs, and support. It’s about helping families and working with communities. That’s what keeps us safe, not pushing more kids through an adult system that’s not made for them.
Watch the video here.
(Below, Amanda, passing out flyers in opposition to Amendment 3 in March)
