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YouWho in the News
January 29, 2004
Mr. Bill Bankston
P.O. Box 588
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Via facsimile: 225-388-0175
Dear Editor:
The swift action taken by Governor Kathleen Blanco early this week to separate Juvenile Corrections from Adult Corrections was a major step in the reform of Louisiana's Juvenile Justice system and we applaud her. Currently, most youth in our system are non-violent offenders who are incarcerated due to the lack of other options for placement, such as residential and day treatment centers. The Juvenile Justice Implementation Commission, led by Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu, continues to develop a plan that will transition the juvenile justice system to a more community based approach - one that focuses on rehabilitation, accountability, and preparing productive citizens.
But this is only the beginning. Children's services are often the first to feel the cuts from the tight state budget - from health care to child protective services. And there is evidence. Louisiana trails the nation in high school drop out rates, the number of children living in poverty, the infant mortality rate, and unfortunately, the list goes on and on.
We know that investing in Louisiana's children is just good economic sense. Now it is time for our elected officials to make Louisiana's children a priority. Studies indicate that a $1 investment in child care returns $2 to the economy. What's more, estimates indicate that for $1 invested in high quality preschool programs, $7 in costs for remedial education and juvenile justice system expenses are saved. Louisiana must begin investing in her children.
We thank Governor Blanco and her administration for such swift action on this priority issue. She has demonstrated a sincere commitment to making positive changes for Louisiana's children. We encourage all Louisiana law makers to resolve to make this a state where children thrive.
Sincerely,
Michelle Smith
Public Policy Director
YouWho Coalition
2561 Citiplace Court, Ste. 750-165
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
225-295-1040
"If not now, when? If not You, Who?"
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