An example of care & rehabilitation.

Reading this article ‘Breaking the Cycle’ I am firstly moved by the reporting of ‘kids’ in custody, and the way the institution is referred to as a school.  This is a great example of the way young offenders in custody should be rehabilitated and treated.

The emphasis on education to rehabilitate is the smartest, most cost-effective and socially responsible way we should be dealing with kids who make criminal mistakes.  Fantastic reporting, and offers hope for breaking the cycle of youth offending. Please read the extract below and follow the link for the full article from Ukiah Daily Journal [USA].

Juveniles Hall residents receive training, support for brighter futureFor the Daily Journal

“Juvenile Hall is operated on the belief that youth have the ability to make positive change.”

That sentence, taken from the agency’s mission statement, is the guiding force for the staff of Juvenile Hall. Division manager Buck Ganter believes that rehabilitation should start today to lay the foundation for future change.

Education is a big part of kids’ lives in the Hall and the West Hills School is an on-site, one-room schoolhouse for residents. Rich Bowen has been teaching in the C Classroom for 11 years and teaching in the Hall for 25, providing all aspects of education to a population with varied academic levels and needs.

“C Unit kids aren’t so different from those on A or B unit. We have few disciplinary problems, and when we do, we deliver school to their room until they earn their way back. We often see kids’ best behavior, where circumstances are not the best,” Bowen explains.

The curriculum is coordinated with that of other local institutions so kids are utilizing the same materials upon release.

“Kids have tremendous trust in Rich,” says Ganter. “And the great thing, we get to graduate kids occasionally, with caps, gowns, families and a party.”

Art classes are taught by Debra Snow and classroom walls are decorated with many styles of student art.

West Hills staff and Ganter created opportunities for kids to self-remove themselves…

Read the full article here: Breaking the Cycle

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Breaking the Cycle