December 3, 1999

The year is quickly coming to a close and with all the talk about the new millennium and the turn of the century, it is a good time to reflect on the past year.

Marion County, like most any organization, is faced with many challenges. These challenges have offered us many great opportunities. Opportunities to re-evaluate what county government does, what our county priorities are and consequently, how we pay to run county government.

Back in January, when I was sworn into office as one of your Marion County Commissioners, some of these challenges seemed pretty monumental. But, as the months have gone by, we in county government, together with the help of numerous county-wide citizens, have tackled these challenges and moved in very positive directions. At this time, some of these issues can be counted as successes. Others are works in progress, and others are yet waiting our attention.

Dealing with delinquent youths has been one of the biggest issue before us this past year.

And in many ways, it is our most important issue at this time. The mission of Marion County Juvenile Department is to respond to the need for community safety by holding delinquent youth and their parents accountable and providing resources for positive change.

Over the years, Marion County has provided a full spectrum of programs for juvenile delinquents. Some troubled youths require detention in order to provide public safety. Sometimes detention is necessary for their own safety. Some youths benefit from a more structured educational program, and community service is also a valuable aspect of directing these youths’ lives on a more positive path.

However, even with all the programs available, Marion County’s juvenile system lacks credibility. Too often youth offenders have a string of offenses before they are faced with any consequence. Between November 1 and November 15 of this year approximately 22 youths were released from Marion County Juvenile facility in order to make room for more. These youths had anywhere from 5 to over 100 offenses. Offenses range from assault to rape, minor in possession to runaway. These are tough children and they are on our streets, in our neighborhoods and in our schools.

How do these or any other young people run up such a long list of crimes and offenses before they are faced with consequences? It is startling but true that many, perhaps most, first and second and even third or fourth offenses are not dealt with. In some cases a letter may be sent home to the parents. How many parents ever see the letter? What happens next? Typically, another offense is committed.

First offenses must be dealt with swiftly and appropriately if we are going to stem the growing tide of the number of youth offenders and the extensive nature of their crimes. An adequate Intake and Assessment center should be a key aspect of any new facility, remodeling or restructuring of our juvenile system.

To deal with delinquent youths at the time of a first offense will take a commitment from all our law enforcement officers, school officials and parents. Looking at more and better ways for communication between school, community and county officials will be necessary to assure swift and appropriate sanctions for first-time offenders. Many of our local communities have already instituted Peer Courts. These “courts” are excellent examples of how communities can provide appropriate and effective sanctions that are an integral part of a comprehensive approach to our county juvenile system.

Peer Courts and ideas for better partnerships between local, county and state governments are just some of the topics that have been discussed over the past several months to help Marion County policy makers put together a proposal to improve the juvenile facility.

Citizen involvement has helped us keep focused and moving forward with viable solutions. Because of these citizens’ willingness and encouragement, we have greatly benefited from their insights, feedback and leadership. With the community’s help, we are closing in on identifying a feasible, affordable, and effective solution to addressing juvenile crime and juvenile offenders.

As we enter the new year, we invite you to volunteer and participate in Marion County government. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Please call the Marion County Commission office at 588.5212 for more information. You can e-mail me at pmilne @open.org.

Patti Milne

Marion County Commissioner

503.588.5212 office