Self-respect key to turning wayward kids’ lives around

FROM your ongoing publications of juvenile crime, that appears out of control on the Gold Coast and beyond, I would like to tender my observations.

And before I do, I preface my remarks by admitting there are so many areas of society that allow and, in some cases, encourage outlandish behaviour even to maiming or killings of innocent bystanders and other young people.

Sadly and with compassion there are children from fractured family units, rich and poor and or drugs and alcohol related, just left to their own devices for long periods and or with no supervision.

This can lead to isolation or falling into loneliness and despair, bringing anger, the joining of gangs and bad attitude against society as a whole.

Then we have a legal system that appears broken. Frustrated policemen, judges who have limited powers and so on continue this downward path. Plus, the sad fact of re-offending becomes the norm. Then why is it that years ago, while there was juvenile crime, youths were treated and rehabilitated under protective supervision by the legal system in institutional facilities?

The approach was to gain their respect, self-confidence, to appreciate each other both in work (gardening, growing their own crops, caring for animals, farming) and pleasure activities.

These young people found their “new selves” returned to society with a new attitude. Also, of real importance, they rarely reoffended, not wishing to let themselves down or the peers whom they loved and respected.

Conclusion: my request to government and powers that be; please don’t say it’s too difficult or just “throw” money about.

Heed the past and apply proven and worthwhile methods as described above for the benefit of these effected children and the children like them to come.