Juvenile Delinquency

* Re “Report Calls for New Juvenile Justice Complex,” Dec. 18.

While Ventura County officials plan for a new and very expensive juvenile justice center, I hope they don’t forget what should be a key element in working with troubled and dependent youths: a well-organized program of delinquency prevention and rehabilitation.

While serving as chairman of the Santa Barbara County Juvenile Justice Commission and Delinquency Prevention Commission during the 1970s, I observed that many youths who were retained in the county’s correctional facilities returned to their troubled lifestyle soon after their release. They had no job and no working skills, so they naturally migrated back to their former unlawful practices.

What is needed is basic training in trades. Every one of those young people--even those who have committed most serious offenses--have some area of constructive work that interests them. But they need to learn the basics of how to enter and work in that field. That’s the spark that can ignite a life of productivity.

Years ago I worked as a counselor at Boys Town, Neb. There, the youngsters could learn how to be an auto mechanic, tailor, barber--a wide variety of trade skills. They left Boys Town with the capability to make a living and contribute positively to the community. Some went on to colleges and universities and became outstanding achievers. But most used their Boys Town training to produce a modest but adequate living for themselves and their families. And they took pride in their job skills.

Also, more money and support should be directed to helping predelinquent kids in Ventura County. We need to more actively support local Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other youth-serving agencies.

Hopefully, a good chunk of the funds available for the new juvenile justice center and related services will be earmarked for delinquency prevention and rehabilitation--including more help and support services for elementary school-age children.

JIM WOODARD

Ventura