One of the most difficult and complex issues we deal with in Montgomery County is juvenile crime. Much of the conversation centers around detention and how to address these crisis situations, but the reality is that we must do better. We MUST continue to build resources.
Thankfully, we are seeing growth in this area with an amazing Youth Engagement Coalition, with more than 50 local organizations, agencies, and businesses that have committed to joining hands in helping families in the most difficult situations they may have ever faced.
Commissioner David Shelton wrote and filed a resolution that created a new Youth Engagement Coalition Liaison Committee so that our County Commission will be informed on this coalition and the work that’s being done.
“I learned of one family that struggled because the parent was not able to stay home and do laundry, leaving their teen unsupervised,” Shelton said. “Our Coalition worked together with Juvenile Court to help provide a laundry set for them, which helped keep the family present and keep their child out of trouble.”
This is just the beginning. We want to see new resources built — where the needs are. Let’s open up the school gyms. Let’s get after hours programs going. Let’s keep kids fed and healthy. Their success is our future.
One final word on Juvenile Detention: “I will not, under any circumstance, support funding or building any detention facility that does not at least have matching funds for RESOURCES,” Shelton said. “We must keep a holistic view on how to help our kids and their families, and we have no business locking up a child if we aren’t prepared — and equipped — to get them the help they need to get out of their legal mess and become a successful adult!”
Our kids are our future. It’s time we invest in them.
