by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It’s not the “Scared Straight” program at-risk teens have been shocked with in the past, but that doesn’t mean the State Attorney’s Offices’s summer juvenile program won’t change the lives of some of its participants.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin announced Monday the annual summer tour of the Juvenile Justice System for area parents and their at-risk teenagers. The program is July 11 from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. and is aimed at kids between 11 and 16 years old. Parents are required to accompany their children.
According to Plotkin, at-risk teenagers are those who have not been arrested for crimes but are “on that path.”
“We’re not a ‘Scared Straight’ program but if they (participating teenagers) get a little scared and it prevents them from doing the wrong thing then I’m for it,” said Plotkin.
Participating teenagers and their parents will talk with juvenile prosecutors, observe juvenile court, visit the Duval County Jail and talk with incarcerated juveniles. It’s the face-to-face discussion about lessons learned and daily life with the incarcerated that have the most effect.
“They really listen to them talk,” said Plotkin, who noted the images of similar-aged peers in shackles is also a convincing message to the participants.
In its 14th year, the summer program for at-risk children has served over 700 parents and their teenagers and a similar school year program instituted in 1992 has served 4,000 children.
According to Plotkin, the number of juvenile arrests since the program’s inception have declined 45 percent and he believes the program has played a significant role in the decrease. Based on the findings by one university study, Plotkin believes the program may have averted as many as 10,000 property crimes during the program’s existence.
“It’s been a tremendously successful program,” said Plotkin.
Programs like the summer juvenile program are a top priority in the State Attorney’s Office, said Plotkin, who has staff already dedicated to the juvenile issues and programs.
With those factors already in place in lean budget years, the non-additional budget costs of such a program combined with the difference it makes creates a win-win situation.
“The Jacksonville Journey is big right now,” said Plotkin, referring to Mayor John Peyton’s anti-crime initiative. “This is one inexpensive example of making a difference and we’re asking the community to make this journey with us.”
For more information on the summer program or to make reservations for the tour, call 630-2075.
356-2466