Juvenile program takes preemptive strike against career criminals

An ounce of prevention goes a long way. That is the idea behind Yuma County Community Justice Boards, made up of adult volunteers who want to stop juvenile crime before it ruins young lives.

The public can learn more about the boards and their approach in a panel discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Yuma Police Department, 1500 S. 1st Avenue. The panel will consist of law enforcement officers, a teacher, a therapist and former gang members.

The community justice boards were created three years ago by Mary White, a deputy county attorney. They are designed to help steer first-time juvenile offenders away from repeat criminal activity.

White said the boards are intended for those who commit lesser offenses such as drinking alcohol, shoplifting or fighting with their peers, siblings or parents.

The boards are not intended to be a punishment, but rather a learning experience so offenders can come out of their experience stronger and better able to cope with life, White said.

"The goal is to allow children to understand the consequences of their actions," she said. "It builds accountability in a positive way. The child understands they may have made a bad decision but they're not a bad person. It helps them learn to make better decisions in the future."

A board will assign each offender a task aimed at teaching him or her how to avoid criminal violations and to build life skills. Assigned tasks could vary from writing letters of apology or paying restitution to producing a poster or essay about teenage drinking or peer pressure.

Whatever offenders are required to do, completion of the tasks must be verified by the board, White said. Board members work with an offender over 90 days, during which there are at least three or more meetings. If the youths don't complete assigned tasks properly, they'll be referred back to the county's Juvenile Court. But that rarely happens, White said.

"We've seen real positive change from the first meeting with the board until they graduate," White said. "The board wants to show there's a community that cares about them and is willing to help."

She said the boards offer substantial savings to taxpayers because boards handle cases much less expensively than Juvenile Court. Also, if a board prevents a juvenile from further crime, it saves more.

"If we can reach these kids early, while they're still impressionable, we can keep them from getting in trouble again," White said.

Cynthia Ramos, an assistant to White, said there is a low percentage of juveniles in the program who reoffend. Ramos added that she has received progress reports from juveniles who have graduated from the program.

"It's really rewarding to see they're doing well," Ramos said. "And we're always looking for people to lend a hand to help out the youth."

Wednesday's meeting focuses on gang influence in the community, but the boards do not restrict themselves to gang activity.

"It's a chance to talk to people who work in the field and actually know something about it," White said.

The boards rely on community volunteers and donated supplies. Those interested in donating funds can send money to the United Way, earmarked "Community Justice Boards." To volunteer, call White at 817-4300.

White said the Community Justice Boards are coordinated between County Attorney Jon Smith and Juvenile Court.

"It is a pure example of a restorative justice program," Smith said. "If it works out right, everybody wins - victims, residents and the offender get a second opportunity to try and remedy the harm done."

----

William Roller can be reached at

wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.