Juvenile-justice reforms benefit youths, would-be victims

prosecution, but also on intervention and prevention with these youth in need.

As a state senator I worked on juvenile-justice reforms that Gov. George Voinovich proposed and that the General Assembly enacted. And in the Ohio attorney general’s office, we focused on many child issues — seeking to intervene and prevent our children from becoming part of our troubling juvenile-justice statistics. Intervention, prevention and reform of our juvenilejustice system are critical if we are to meet the very real needs of Ohioans and their families.

Juvenile-justice reforms provide valuable results:

• Investing in what works and not wasting Ohio tax dollars. Ohio has already seen significant budget savings by reducing the use of youth prisons and using research-supported, community-based interventions for young people that are less expensive and more effective than incarceration. Communities are strengthened by engaging with their families and having in place local responses and interventions to the issues plaguing our youth and, as a result, our society.

• Addressing real needs with real and comprehensive solutions. “Smart on crime” replaces “tough on crime” as the most effective strategy to reduce incarceration rates and cost. Our state must invest in the programs that provide support from early childhood through adolescence to keep children out of courts and on the right track and to intervene effectively when needed. From access to effective and timely behavioral-health programs, to thoughtful and responsible educational policies, the state can help parents keep their children healthy, educated and productive citizens.

• Prioritizing our children’s futures with intervention, rehabilitation and training. The business community’s biggest need is a trained, dependable, drug-free workforce. Juvenile-justice reform focusing on diversion and prevention, with an emphasis on educational success, can ensure that our state has the trained workforce necessary for a thriving economy.

Redemption and rehabilitation are woven into America’s faith foundation. By valuing and prioritizing children, we can provide those in need with the opportunity to redeem themselves and find their God-given life purpose consistent with Ohio’s values. As important, we can reduce future crime and harm to victims through early intervention and strategic investments in effective programs. At the same time, we are nurturing future productive citizens.

I have had the opportunity to either argue or supervise arguments in every level of court in the state and federal system. After more than three decades in these arenas I can say, without reservation, that the most important court in our legal system is the juvenile court. Often it has the first and, sadly, sometimes the last opportunity to intervene and help our youths realize their own talents and dreams.

This can happen when thoughtful, caring and comprehensive intervention occurs. With such intervention we save not only the juvenile, but a legion of would-be victims. Families are healthier, society is safer and we are stronger for this.

I spent many years being “tough on crime.” While we still must be tough on crime, we must be effectively tough. These reforms deliver results. We have an opportunity to continue to make a difference while investing in Ohio’s best asset: its children. Our goals are within reach.

As conservatives we ask that the state continue to offer a caring and thoughtful approach to juvenile-justice reform. The Ohio Conservative Juvenile Justice Network believes that this approach will benefit the children and their families, but also Ohio and Ohio’s future.