Chief Welfare officer Martin Anthony says Dominica could be considering a facility for juvenile offenders to serve as an alternative to Stock Farm Prison.
Anthony said jail sentences for juveniles is a matter of concern for the Caribbean and the lack of facilities for juvenile offenders is one of the challenges.
“Based on international standards, it is recommended that children are not helped when in a custodial setting with adults and all countries recognize that mechanisms must be put in place for that purpose,” he said.
Anthony said however such facilities are plagued with financial challenges.
“All governments in the region are being challenged but efforts are being made in Dominica to deal with that issue. You know that CHANCES is now established and they deal with children at risk. That is going on very well but now emphasis is now being placed on establishing a facility for juvenile offender,” he said.
A juvenile detention center is needed to separate the adult offenders from the young people who have found themselves in trouble with the law. However, there must also be prevention programs in place to prevent youth from entering the criminial justice system.
No government can provide all these services. NGOs and other community based organizations are needed to implement these programs, but government must provide assistance. We need caring and compassionate community members to band together to address the problem of juvenile delinquency in our country.
WE ALREADY HAVE A FACILITY FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS…. THE PARLIAMENT
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
I do not believe a juvenile prison will curb crimes in this country. I agree it should be built for criminal minded teenagers who deserve punishment for their crimes but people should not be misled by the idea that it will curb crimes. In fact, the government has not invested in any tangible rehabilitation program to deprogram criminals at Stock Farm prison. The prisoners need a library where they can access information especially self help books as many may not trust “the system.”
Many of our Dominican people, youth along with adults have lost their spiritual values. Their consciences have been destroyed by importing American culture and values. There needs to be N.G.O’s for young parenting training, self development etc. Many parents in this country have low self esteem issues thus they pass this onto their children. They call their children, stupid, jackass, dunce cat etc. We see these attitudes reflected in the work place, basic customer ethics and general interactions; some men and women can’t even appreciate a good compliment. Thus, there are deep psychological issues affecting our youth who are mostly involved in criminal activities.
As the saying goes this is the end of times thus things are expected to get worse. Prophecy must fulfill!
Thanks
Dawoud Abdur-rahman Darroux.
You hit the nail on the head. The schools must also play a part in this rehabilitation. I wonder how many High Schools have a full-time guidance counselor on staff? Also, how are we teaching our children to observe, interpret, interact and negotiate society? What are we doing to engage their minds at an early age? Are there resources available to help struggling or inadequate parents cope with child-rearing?
All the studies that I’ve read states that the home is still the best place to raise a child. We need to help parents in skill-building without usurping their rights and authority.
Perhaps a library containing books of corrective action for criminal activities, punishment and the law in an effort to deter their actions but that is after the fact though. I think some proactive measures would be a better option however in society it is just going to be that way. Some people are just not going to conform to rules and regulations, spirituality and principalities.
With that said I still think that the Juvenile center is a great idea.
Finally!! I very pleased indeed to learn of this development!! Great move! Get it done and operational soon! like yesterday!
While this sounds great I must say that I am sure I’m not the only one who have heard this many times before, especially when there is an escalation in crime. I really do hope it is not just all talk again and that we are serious about this much nedded facility. Now some moron/s may say that I sound negative but facts are just what they are, facts and you are entiltled to your opinion
DuH !
Duh is right. It’s a no-no or a kno-kno, someone had to twist their arms for them to even think of that? grrr
Great Move… How about a drug rehab center? Any plans for that? Do we have one?
Thats a very good step!!!