If we don't pay price now for Judge Dellick's court, we'll surely pay it later

If we don't pay price nowfor Judge Dellick's court, we'll surely pay it later
EDITOR:
In the heat of budget debates regarding the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center of Mahoning County, the members of its advisory board would like to shed some light on the bigger picture.
While the juvenile court system is often referred to as a "court," that is only one part of the system charged to provide for the care, protection and development of the youths who come into its jurisdiction. This self-contained system that accounts for less than 20 percent of the county's justice system budget carries momentous responsibilities.
Not only a court in which the judge serves as her own clerk, it is also a detention center akin to the county jail. On any given day, this 40-bed facility holds 75 to 80 seriously troubled youths. This must be staffed 365 days a year. Add the probation department that also includes a day reporting center to hold youths accountable. Probation supervises an average of 635 youths each month. Then consider the traffic court that serves all youths who receive a traffic violation in the county.
This court's docket also serves dependent, neglected and abused children. It is about determining parentage and making fathers responsible for their children. It is about establishing child support and hearing ongoing modifications of support. The court also determines custody and deals with a variety of issues such as visitation.
The 92,000 filings for 2002 are projected to rise to 95,000 by 2004.
Instead of giving up in the face of Herculean charge, Judge Theresa Dellick has led the courts and the staff with vision and new programs. The school-based probation program and day reporting program recently received national recognition by the American Probation and Parole Association.
Upholding the JJC vision to support youth and families in building caring, safe communities, Judge Dellick has also initiated Truancy Court, prevention programming in cooperation with Youngstown City Schools, parenting classes, a residential substance abuse treatment program and a Drug/Treatment court, to name a few.
The Juvenile Justice Center also seeks and secures grants to offset the expenses wherever possible.
In an effort to cut back on costs, the center has eliminated four surveillance officers, one security officer, two probation officers, two clerks and a part-time computer worker. In addition, the administration postponed filling six open positions. Without a staff willing to take on more roles, risks and responsibilities, the cutbacks would not have been possible. Although not advisable, the cuts were essential to meet the budget limitations.
Although the big picture is larger than space allows, perhaps you can put a face on one of the 92,000 filings. Perhaps you will see the smile on the face of a youth who has successfully overcome an addiction. Or perhaps you will sense the trust growing on the face of an abused child in a safe refuge. You may also see the angry face of a troubled teen who is taking his anger out on the innocent in dangerous ways.
If the budget remains your first priority, remember that we will pay now or we will pay later. The cost of prevention, intervention and restoration may be costly, but is this not a wiser investment?
RUTH MASTRIANASecretary
Juvenile Justice Center Advisory Board
Support of deficit spendingprompts some Ryan bashing
EDITOR:
Mr. Ryan is a perfect example of what is wrong with this Congress. Instead of voting against an outrageous spending bill with huge giveaways to special interest, he supports the "omnibus bill" for a little pork thrown his way. Deficit spending is irresponsible. Balancing the budget should be the priority instead of spending hundreds of billions of dollars we don't have. Small wonder there are record amounts of personal bankruptcies occurring, not to mention the worst savings record since WWII.
Just look at the example set by this government: $3.77 million was a cheap sellout. The ignorant may praise him, but the people with more sense will see this for what it is -- another politician with no concern or vision for the future. Stop flushing our future down the toilet along with our tax dollars!
JOHN ISABELLA III
Struthers