Newark is changing the rules for its curfew program -- something Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says will help keep kids safe.
© Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com + © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Newark, NJ) – New Jersey’s largest city is unveiling a new plan that elected officials say aims to keep kids and teenagers safe. It’s just the latest version of a curfew for Newark, after a previous plan was announced and then canceled prior to taking effect. Under the previous version, any child under the age of 18 found out on the streets past 11 AM — and before 5 AM — would be returned home to a parent or guardian.
Now, city officials will still try to get the kids back to parents, but a social worker will also be involved and make contact going forward. Also, Newark is setting up a so-called “re-engagement center” where kids can be taken if no parent or guardian is reachable. Hospitals throughout the city could also be used in this fashion.
Mayor Ras Baraka calls this latest version of the plan “the Summer of Hope”. Cops will also reportedly work against the potential influence of criminals and criminal activities when dealing with children. The broad definition of the curfew is that kids under the age of 18 can’t be out from 11 PM to 5 AM — unless accompanied by a legal guardian — or if they’re involved with a church or other organization. Otherwise kids must remain within 100 yards of their home.
Mayor Ras Baraka further defined the types of events kids can stay out for past curfew: “… many things from block parties to trips to theaters to summer youth engagement to workforce development to increased patrols. We have to have the holistic response as our kids have been victimized by adults who convinced them to do crime or being victimized by adults who victimized them in crime.”
For now, the curfew applies on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It takes effect May 3. When kids are out of school for summer, the curfew applies seven days a week.
