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For Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard, a walk from his office on West Broadway to the Monroe Court Building last Thursday represented a step in the right direction.
Richard was in attendance at an open house for Spokane County Juvenile Court on Aug. 14, an event that celebrated the transition of two vital SCJC departments – Diversion and the Detention Alternative Program – into a new location just a few blocks away from the Juvenile Justice Center situated on the western corner of Spokane County’s municipal campus.
After listening to presentations by several SCJC administrators, Richard expressed gratitude to staff members for their work in supporting juveniles down more constructive paths.
“It’s an honor to work for you,” Richard said. “You’re the ones out there on offense, helping these kids.”
Richard pointed to the efforts of SCJC staff, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and others in utilizing alternative sentencing programs and educational methods to rehabilitate those sent through the criminal justice system. Diversion and the DAP both emphasize approaches like community service, drug and alcohol counseling, anger management and developing refusal skills over traditional sentencing modes like detention.
“We’ve seen that the way to reduce the crime rate is to hold these individuals accountable, to treat them with dignity and respect – as long as they treat you with the same dignity and respect,” Richard said.
The move earlier this summer affected around a dozen staff members, a small percentage of the 110 employees that call SCJC home. The adjustment does clear up room for additional classes and office space at the Juvenile Justice Center, a shift that has already made a difference, according to Scott Stevens, SCJC unit supervisor.
“The morale has improved,” Stevens said. “People just feel more settled.”
David Sattler, DAP program coordinator, told attendees at the open house that the community service component of alternative sentencing continues to have a positive impact as juveniles take responsibility for their actions while learning how their work can make a difference. Youth have contributed to projects at a variety of organizations including the Salvation Army, YMCA, Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store, Spokane Food Bank and various senior centers. Last year, SCJC accounted for a total of approximately 12,000 community service hours.
“They’ve really been able to help out in the community,” Sattler said.
Other efforts like a paint over graffiti program and a garden project where kids plant and maintain a vegetable garden and donate produce to charity have helped juveniles develop traits like a good work ethic and accountability, Sattler said.
Scott Ryman, now in his 33rd year with SCJC, stressed that a positive agenda – including activities like volunteering, sports, music and art – has always been a major factor in keeping kids on the right track.
“Risk-taking behaviors increase significantly with boredom and lack of productive activities,” Ryman said. “It’s every parent’s responsibility to help their kids find creative solutions to idle time.”
Both Diversion and N.A.P. promote educational approaches that emphasize team building, goal-setting and positive self-esteem. Last year, alternative sentencing programs replaced some 1,200 days in detention.
“When they’re making better decisions they become a stronger part of their family and contribute to the community,” Sattler said.
Volunteer support continues to be a critical component in the overall success of SCJC, according to Volunteer Coordinator Susan Cairy. The Court Appointed Special Advocate program represents children who have allegedly been abused, neglected or abandoned. CASA volunteers work to ensure the safety and stability of kids through investigations and court proceedings. The next CASA volunteer training course begins Sept. 9.
Those who donate time with an organization called the Neighborhood Accountability Board – there are four NAB boards in Spokane County – work with Ryman and other representatives from the Diversion department to draw up contracts for juveniles accused of misdemeanor crimes. Contracts include requirements like community service, counseling, pro-social activities and classes through Juvenile Court. The next NAB volunteer training course starts Sept. 8.
Superior Court Judge Neal Rielly acknowledged the work of SCJC staff and volunteers at the open house, describing “the real difference we’ve seen through these programs.”
“Really, it’s the people who run them who make the difference,” Rielly said.
Want to find out more?
To learn more about volunteer opportunities through Spokane County Juvenile Court, including how to enlist for training sessions in September, call Susan Cairy at 477-2469.
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By
Craig Howard
