A recent article published in The Skanner offers an in-depth view of what goes on at the Donald E. Long home, a juvenile detention center in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Most teens at the center are accused of Measure 11 felonies, which in Oregon carry mandatory sentences for crimes including assault, robbery, abuse, and murder. Teens wait an average of five months before their trials, though 62 percent are not convicted. Other teens are admitted for less violent crimes, and are quickly released as they await their trial dates.
Two teens were interviewed for the article, including 17-year-old Andre. “I never thought I would be here,” he says in the article. “But I’m doing great. It’s better than being in any other facility I’ve heard about.”
Teens in the center attend school over five hours a day, have an hour of physical activity, and participate in other art, writing, and sports projects. According to the article, the program appears to be effective, with the number of teens who commit more crimes dropping in the county from 38.5 percent in 2001 to 31 percent in 2007.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am in college learning about delinquency in our State of Oregon. I was wondering how is the program funded? How many children are successful coming here and not returning to their old way of life? I think it is a wonderful opportunity for children to get help when they need it most.
Sincerely,
Ruth Grissom
I believe this is the website the article came from: http://www.theskanner.com, and try info@theskanner.com to contact them about the program.
Becky