New York State has allocated $1.71 billion since 2017 to support counties implementing the “Raise the Age” law, which shifted most 16- and 17-year-olds out of the adult criminal justice system. A new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli shows that $658.8 million has been spent so far, with spending rising as more counties expand services and facilities.
What is Raise the Age?
The Raise the Age (RTA) law, enacted in 2017, raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18. Lawmakers phased in the law over two years, ensuring that most 16- and 17-year-olds now go through family court instead of adult court. It also prohibits their placement in adult jails or state prisons.
State funding and county reimbursement
Counties implement the law locally and receive full reimbursement from the state for eligible costs, as long as they comply with the state’s property tax cap or obtain a hardship waiver.
Key facts from the DiNapoli report:
- $1.71 billion allocated since 2017
- $1.55 billion in local aid
- $160 million for capital expenses
- $658.8 million disbursed through SFY 2025
- $48 million used for juvenile facility improvements in SFYs 2018–2019
The report excluded New York City because it does not participate in the reimbursement program.
Where the money goes
Reimbursement covers costs like:
- Detention facilities (construction and operations)
- Social services (caseworkers, foster care, aftercare)
- Supportive programming (mental health, substance abuse, alternatives to incarceration)
Spending varies by county. Six counties with their own detention centers—Westchester, Erie, Onondaga, Monroe, Nassau, and Albany—account for the majority of detention-related costs.
In SFY 2024, counties spent $158 million, or 63% of the year’s $250 million appropriation. Total approved county spending through SFY 2025 stands at $468.5 million.
What’s next?
The data shows that while the state has budgeted heavily for RTA, actual county spending remains below authorized levels. As more counties scale up facilities and services, reimbursement totals are expected to continue rising.
The Raise the Age initiative reflects a long-term shift toward rehabilitative justice for youth, with the state footing the bill for local reforms.
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