Without effective treatment, many will continue to engage in behaviors that endanger themselves and their communities. Without effective treatment, many will go on to become part of the criminal justice system. Providing mental health services to this population is essential.
Females have far greater mental health needs and greater risk factors than males.
The PTA views SSB-5544 as one method that would provide the much needed mental health services to this identified population of juvenile offenders. We view this legislation as a step in the right direction in addressing the complex problem of juvenile offenders. We view safety as a prerequisite to academic excellence. Creating safe schools is a collaborative effort between school, business, local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, health and welfare agencies, and parents. Therefore, we would like to see the language in section 1 that authorizes a School Safety Center Advisory Committee to include parents and secondary students.