Young people with attention-deficit disorder need room to run off energy. Erker says it is important to keep them involved in constructive activities so they are not just sitting in their rooms bouncing off the walls. The facility, however, is only part of the solution. Money also must be found to adequately staff whatever system is set up. The probation department still needs staffing to put teeth into alternate sentencing.
Prevention is a huge piece of the puzzle.
Recreation programs, snow camps, dance clubs, music teachers, jobs programs and coaches are infinitely cheaper than lawyers, psychiatrists, boot camps, wardens and prison cells. As a society, we must be more effective, more loving, more responsible parents. We must put resources in place to support parents struggling with their responsibilities or coping with children who are mentally ill. It is difficult to summon a community s compassion and sympathy for young offenders. Many people allow their fear and anger to influence their judgment.