Re: Youth custody closure a mistake, PNR May 21.
I am in complete agreement with your article on this matter.
It strikes me that when a youth, male or female, is ordered to be held in custody, the logical assumption is that the individual would still be readily accessible for his/her parents and relatives to visit and give emotional support. This would also apply to any professionals who are, at that time, involved with the youth.
Transporting the youth to a custody centre in Vancouver or Prince George immediately takes away that support. Savings, by closing the local youth custody centre, would be offset by transport costs to the ‘new’ facility for both the youth and escort. However, the psychological damage might result in the youth continuing on in delinquent behaviour resulting, in adulthood, a more costly approach for punishment and treatment.
I was under the impression, a few months ago, that this government was planning to focus on “Family First” processes. Obviously such is not the case. I shall certainly remember this at the time of the next election.
Rod Todd
Sidney