Shut Those Doors

Like many states, Massachusetts has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of youth who are held in detention (awaiting trial).  Due to both falling juvenile crime rates and the admirable efforts of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to promote the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), the number of detention beds has declined by 50% in the last 3 years.  As the editorial from Monday’s New York Times (below) shows, New York has had less success in closing down juvenile facilities, despite a decreasing juvenile population.

As soon as Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo takes office, he should close a half-dozen more of New York’s ruinously expensive, and half-empty, juvenile detention facilities. He should also press the State Legislature to revoke a wasteful law that keeps facilities scheduled for shutdown open and staffed for a full year, even when there is not a single child in custody

These moves would save millions of dollars, and improve public safety and the lives of troubled children.

Mass. courts’ juvenile cases plummet

The Boston Globe (12/6/10) featured two front page articles on the real stories behind juvenile crime.  In stark contrast to expert predictions and the nearly constant warnings of rising youth crime, Massachusetts is seeing a significant drop in its juvenile caseload.  Another article highlights the complex issues facing many of these young people.

Drop unexpected in hard times

A 15-year-old left Middlesex Juvenile Court in Lowell with her mother after a recent hearing. (Joanne Rathe/ Globe Staff)

By Peter Schworm Globe Staff / December 6, 2010

LOWELL — Criminal and child welfare caseloads in the state’s juvenile courts have fallen sharply over the past three years despite economic turmoil that has placed enormous strain on many families, a dramatic decline that confounds social workers, lawyers, and child and family advocates.