Written by a 14 year old client who was a part of the SB94 district court program

I worked with YouthZone through the Senate Bill 94 (SB-94) program. This program gives funding for a program through the Division of Youth Corrections to provide secure detention as an alternative to incarceration. I think it is good because detention gives you time to think about your wrong-doings and those I wronged, but SB94 has given me a way to make amends to those I have hurt and my community at large.

SB94 has been positive for me and my family. We have been able to work with people who actually care about kids. Some of these people have helped me realize that I’m not just a bad person, rather, I’m a kid who made some bad choices and decisions. They are working to help me make better choices from now on. I’ve also benefited from some great counselors. My favorite thing is when they required “family time.” I like this because everyone is so busy going in so many directions that it’s hard to find time for family events. From my experience, this lack of “family time” has a lot do do with kids I know who are in trouble. Even though my family isn’t perfect and we have our issues – we’re still a family. This is why most of my friends want to hang at my house; just to be around and become like a part of my family. This makes me appreciate my family more.

The other reason I like SB94 is that I get a change to say “I’m sorry” to those I’ve hurt by donating time and/or labor installing flooring at my old school. I’ve also donated time working at our local thrift store, out local pet shelter, etc. It’s a good feeling to help out, especially when they let me know how much they need help. Plus, it’s one small way to make amends to my community. Plus, I feel better about myself and am able to show people that I’m not all bad. This program also has helped me take accountability for my actions and to express my sorrow to anyone I have hurt in my own words.

In short, the SB94 program has four primary principles: Community services, work programs, restitution, and mediation. With the help of YouthZone and others, I have used each of these “tools” toward becoming a better me. With YouthZone, counseling with professionals who actually care about kids like me, support from my parents/family and my efforts and hard work, this program is a good thing compared to detention. Detention is a punishment that does nothing for a struggling kid, victims, community, etc. Plus, detention costs billions as opposed to benefiting tax payers and possibly saving a child who is on the wrong path.

Finally, what I really like about SB94 is that it is a win-win alternative to a lose-lose problem. Even if SB94 isn’t 100% successful for every kid, every time, it forces a kid to give-back to society, instead of just costing society. In my experience, even a so called “bad kid” appreciates doing a good thing deep down, and in my opinion that’s a win-win.