Family of Arrested 6-year-old Files Amended Lawsuit, Advocates Higher Age Limit for Arrests

Family of Arrested 6-year-old Files Amended Lawsuit, Advocates Higher Age Limit for Arrests

In 2019, a shocking incident at an Orlando charter school sent ripples across the nation. Six-year-old Kaia Rolle was arrested for allegedly kicking and punching three school staff members. The incident, captured on body camera footage, showed Kaia pleading with the school resource officer as she was handcuffed with zip ties. The video sparked widespread outrage, leading to a nationwide debate about the minimum age for arrest and the need for reform in juvenile justice.

The Aftermath: Kaia Rolle Act and Lifelong Recovery

The traumatic experience has left indelible marks on Kaia and her family. Now aged 10, she is in therapy for PTSD and suffers from separation anxiety. Following the incident, Kaia’s family is filing an amended lawsuit against the officers involved in her arrest and Orlando’s former Police Chief, Orlando Rolon. They contend that Kaia will require a lifelong recovery process due to the traumatic event.

In response to the incident, the Kaia Rolle Act was created, forbidding the arrest of children under seven years old. However, Kaia’s family argues that this age limit is insufficient. Now that she is 10, Kaia is no longer protected under the law named after her. They are advocating for the age limit to be raised to 14.

Advocating for Nationwide Change

The family’s attorney, Bobby DiCello, stated that their pursuit of justice for Kaia is twofold. They are seeking redress for the harm inflicted upon Kaia, but they are also advocating for a nationwide change to protect all children from similar experiences. The amended lawsuit, which alleges Kaia’s rights were violated by excessive force and false arrest, is a part of this broader campaign for change.

The school resource officer involved in Kaia’s arrest was subsequently fired for violating the department’s policy, which requires officers to get the approval of a watch commander before arresting anyone under 12 years old. However, this incident and others like it have highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to juvenile justice.

State-by-State Variations and the Push for Reform

Currently, there is little agreement among states on the appropriate minimum age for juvenile prosecutions. Some states have no age limits at all, while others have minimum ages that vary widely. This has led to a patchwork approach to juvenile justice across the country, with children in different states subject to vastly different laws and procedures.

Many advocates argue that children behaving badly should not be viewed as criminal and should not be subjected to the trauma of arrest and prosecution. They contend that labeling these children as delinquent has a profound effect on their psyche and can lead to lifelong trauma and difficulties.