We certainly hope that a larger facility to resolve the space issue at the current local juvenile detention center can be found quickly. It was unsettling to hear that about 15 juveniles could not be accepted at the current facility because there was no room to adequately house them safely. We are unaware of the exact details as to why these juveniles arrived at the center, but we cannot help but ask ourselves if sending them home with no discplinary course helps our community in the long run. Granted, we are sure this was not an easy decision to make for local officials. But if there is no room, there is simply no room.
We do not believe in the course of simply putting juveniles away, out of sight, out of mind. But if the local youth court program and the possibility of housing juveniles at a local center can reform their actions, it is the direction and path we must look to for saving our local troubled youth.
Many success stories have come through our local youth court programs. A recent initiative within the local system has gained praise from surrounding counties. Programs like these are evidence that reform and success can become a reality. However, we understand that success does not happen in every case. But that is even more reason to keep trying, for our children’s sakes. We believe our local program has that desire at heart.
We also understand that housing juveniles from other counties brings in revenue. And we completely understand that funds are needed to continue in a successful direction. But we hope that money is not the only driving factor in this case. We hope that housing, thus reforming, our local youth takes priority over the funds that come with housing juveniles from other communities.
A larger facility would greatly assist in this current issue. And we hope that the additional beds and space will be used to assist our local juveniles. Granted, more space could be used for juveniles from other counties. But let’s focus on our local issues with heavier regard.
Reforming our local youth is the first step in securing a healthy future for our community. Let’s continue to build on the success stories we have accomplished. But let’s address the ever-present needs. Let’s focus on reform over revenue as our end goal.
