A working group tasked with helping the Ohio Department of Youth Services understand how best to work with younger offenders reported something that may seem obvious to most.

“The younger the kids are, generally the worse they do in a secure congregate environment,” the group’s report said.

Therefore, the group recommended, children under age 14 should not be placed in one of Ohio’s three juvenile prisons, according to a report by WOUB. The group recommended alternative placement for those 13 and under, and that non-violent first-time offenders could go to one of the state’s 11 community corrections facilities.

“It’s our belief that these low-level juvenile offenders should not be placed out of home except in exceptional circumstances, and when out-of-home placement is necessary, CCFs can better serve these youth,” said Tom Stickrath. He is a former DYS director and led the working group.

Data shows 40% of juveniles end up back in DYS custody again or in adult prisons after they have been released.

Other recommendations from the group include eliminating mandatory detention sentences for youth who commit crimes with guns and giving juvenile court judges more discretion in sentencing.

State officials are already working toward building more, smaller facilities.

“System transformation is not just about changing the physical plant, but it includes shifting away from facilities that are institutional in character and design, and moving towards building environments that are trauma informed with trauma responsive practices,” DYS director Amy Ast told WOUB.

It’s a start. But lawmakers should consider the other recommendations. For hundreds of Buckeye State children, those changes (or not) could make the difference between a life of productive citizenship or a life behind bars.