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Last Updated: Jul 30th, 2010 - 19:47:00 |
A temporary move until building can be planned
Monday the Seward County Commission expressed desire to stick to their May 3 decision to move a juvenile probation program into the courthouse despite an on-going three month battle questioning the commission's judgement.
The Monday evening work session involved the commission hearing from supporters and opponents of the Juvenile Corrections and Prevention Services (JCAPS) program being located across the hallway from the Cimarron Basin Community Corrections, an adult probationer program. Courthouse staff had made a case in June to the commission regarding the possibility of intermixing among the probationers, a possible threat to the local community. Juveniles may be guided into crime, courthouse staff argued.
JCAPS staff answered the argument in July speaking to the commission on the benefits JCAPS would have if located in the courthouse near all the major entities involved in the justice authority. JCAPS would be able to utilize the programs in place by the adult corrections program, use the classroom and have director of both programs Mike Howell within walking distance of each program. JCAPS staff always stated the adults and juveniles would be kept separate. There would be no intermixing while in the building.
Commissioner Jim Rice said he appreciated hearing the concerns from both sides but was convinced the commission made the right call in May.
"At the present time, I haven't changed my mind,” said Rice. “I think we are on the right track of putting (JCAPS) over there in that courthouse. Maybe for a period of time and not forever. But certainly right now, my concerns is with the facility down there.”
The facility of concern is the present location of JCAPS on West Pancake Avenue. Rice said he had spoken with staff and told of break-ins to the building. He feared for the safety of the JCAPS staff and the teenagers frequenting the building.
Commissioner Toby Hale called the move temporary at best and one of the most important decisions the commission faces. Hale is in favor of JCAPS being housed in a facility of it's own. He pointed out a new building would take long-term planning and money the commission lacks. The commission can get started, he said.
“There are a lot of reasons for moving them down there,” said Hale. “They have had two break-ins and they don't feel safe there. I think our kids would get programs under Mike (Howell's) supervision. We don't know what the next (director) might do. I am not against moving them. I am saying if we are going to do it, we are going to do it right.”
Doing it right involves continuing the courthouse remodeling and include a separate bathroom for JCAPS probationers and staff only to use. It involves removing the bars on the windows of the former treasurer's office. It involves JCAPS staff continuing to escort juveniles from the door to the office or classroom and escorting them out to leave.
County attorney Don Scott rose to speak during the meeting and pointed his finger at the commission to convey his concerns towards JCAPS. His issue was more than intermixing. The two programs need to be kept separate and two directors are needed, one for each program, he said.
“They are two different programs,” said Scott. “Two different facilities. Two different clientèle. They are two different deals entirely.”
Commissioner Stephen 'Ike' Eisenhauer said after the work session the comments made by Scott resinated with him. The programs are two different programs and the remodel needs to be done to keep the programs as separate as possible.
No decisions could be reached at the work session.
For the full story, see Wednesday's edition of The Southwest Times.
© 2008 Southwest Times
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