The Nevada County Juvenile Justice System Needs Assessment study shows that a significant percentage of juvenile hall and probation cases involve minors from single parent homes, with drug abuse problems, who are either suspended, expelled, or have dropped out of school. We need to reach these kids early on. I believe in a pro-active approach toward youth at risk. That is why I am a member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County and a supporter of other mentor programs. However, I believe our juvenile court system needs some reform.
Accountability is a necessary component of effective juvenile crime prevention.
We must recognize that some youthful offenders are simply criminals who happen to be young. That is why I support the Gang Violence and Juvenile Crime Prevention Act of 1998. Among other things, this act would provide that the criminal history of a minor who commits a felony offense be reported to the Department of Justice, that a juvenile charged with certain felonies appear before a judge before being released, and allow district attorneys to try as adults juveniles 16 years of age or over who commit serious felony offenses. Drugs Drug use is not a victimless crime. Statistics continue to show that a significant percentage of persons convicted of crimes such as robbery, burglary, or theft were daily drug users or under the influence of an illegal drug at the time they committed the crime.