As the US economy tightens and state budgets across the nation are cut, public concerns are being raised due to reduced funding for some programs.
Juvenile Justice Programs for troubled teens have seen budget cuts in several states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina: Some up to as much as 20 percent.
The concern from most opposition is a valid one: that this is “a shortsighted move that will eventually lead to more crime and higher costs”. None of the cuts will close Detention Centers, but will most likely focus on cutting of the rehabilitative programs that the state offers.
The problem with this solution is that it undermines that philosophy that “rehabilitation is more effective than incarceration” that has slowly developed over the last several years. As Lex Wilbanks, a former rehabilitated juvenile who spent time in Detention Centers stated; "When you did something wrong or you fight or you disrespect staff, they just throw you into lockdown. They just throw you in and make them fight to survive. You're just making them a hardened criminal."
Wilbanks also spent time in a rehabilitative program called, the Associated Marine Institute, which he credits with giving him the help and hope to getting his GED and being top ranked in ROTC after leaving the states program.
The State of Florida has cut the Associated Marine Institute program out of its budget for 2009.
We can only hope that this short term adjustment will not have long term effects on our progress to find better and more effective solutions to the justice system and further its effect on employment.
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