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A Commonwealth Court judge has ordered Pennsylvania officials to take custody of 26 young people living at Philadelphia’s juvenile jail to alleviate what the city has described as dangerously overcrowded conditions — but one youth advocacy group called the judge’s instructions a “disappointment” that will only “stop the bleeding” temporarily.

Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program collaborates with youth to engage in advocacy and direct action that protects youth rights, ensures their well-being and advances freedoms so all youth can thrive. Each year, Juvenile Law Center works with approximately 25 youth and 20 program alumni.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Commonwealth Court judge on Wednesday heard arguments in Philadelphia’s request that the state take juvenile offenders who’ve been sentenced to state facilities. The city is hoping to relieve overcrowding that is leading to dangerous conditions at the Juvenile Justice Services Center.

Pennsylvania is one of only 13 states with no limit on how young a juvenile can be tried in adult court and exposed to adult jails and prisons. In Lawrence County in 2009, for example, 11-year-old Jordan Brown was charged in adult court for the fatal shooting of his father’s fiancee. He was too young to shave but faced a mandatory life sentence.

The advocacy organizations underlined egregious conditions children are facing.

The number of young people detained at Philadelphia’s juvenile jail has reached “unprecedented levels,” with more than 30 children sleeping on floors and living amid conditions that will cause “serious harm” if unaddressed, the City of Philadelphia said in a recent court filing as part of its ongoing lawsuit against the state.

Five years ago, I met a friend for dinner in New York City. Before we went inside, my friend offered to share a joint. As I was holding the joint, an unmarked car pulled up. Four police officers came toward me, and I dropped the joint. I was arrested, handcuffed, taken to the police station, and put in a holding cell before being charged and released pending a hearing.