Strengthening Families, Communities

Juvenile problems affect each member of the community. However, despite the problems, there are available resources to reach out to the low and moderate risk youth before they are subject to more severe forms of punishment and become connected with high-risk individuals.

That is where Strengthening Families fits, as a detention alternative for troubled youth who have not yet committed a serious crime. Laz Martinez, the coordinator for the program and the Community Service Coordinator and Probation Officer for the Adams County Juvenile Court Services, is in charge of the course.

The program, developed at the University of Iowa and Washington State University, is based entirely off research with a curriculum developed by both institutions.

Strengthening Families started in Adams County when the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) was adopted in Washington State. The purpose of the initiative is to keep juveniles out of detention.

A study performed showed low level offenders, when detained with high-level offenders, begin to pick up behaviors that lead them to more serious offenses

It has been established in the Othello area for almost four years now for the first time has expanded into Ritzville for the first time.

“There’s a need in Ritzville for a program like this,” Martinez said.

In addition to the Strengthening Families program, the Adams County Juvenile Courts System has also started programs like Girls Circle and Boys Council as well as increasing community service opportunities for juveniles.

The program is designed to engage the entire family unit to help juveniles overcome behavioral problems. As they progress through the course families are encouraged to practice the lessons learned in their daily lives in between weekly meetings.

“If we’re able to help individuals in the home rather than trying to just incarcerate them it turns out to be better results,” Martinez said.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, five Ritzville families graduated from the Strengthening Families program that has been held Thursday evenings in the Soul Café.

The courses start with a dinner, then move to the class for that evening followed by discussion where parents can share ideas and experiences.

“These programs, in essence, aren’t just pizza parties,” Martinez said. “They’re actual programs that help behaviors within individuals. We’re trying to get to the beginning before having to deal with the ends.”

At the beginning and the end of each Strengthening Families Program, participants are given surveys to collect data. Martinez also goes through accreditation and submits information about the program in order to acquire funding.

Kacee Lafollete and her mother, Tina, have been attending the meetings since they started in Ritzville and are one of the five families who graduated from the program.

Kacee was directed to Strengthening Families after appearing in the juvenile court system for multiple reasons. Both her and her mother said the program has been very helpful.

“It was very informative and you take a lot from it,” Tina said.

She also liked how the program included the entire family. She said the tools learned at Strengthening Families have not only helped with Kacee’s younger siblings, but also with her friends.

By reducing the amount of offenders being detained Martinez said the county has been able to save money, saying it costs taxpayers around $240 a day for each juvenile incarcerated. Martinez said comparatively, the cost of putting a juvenile through programs like Strengthening Families is much lower.

Martinez is hopeful Strengthening Families will be able to return to Ritzville for another class. The program is funded through donations of companies like J.R. Simplot and Evergreen Implement in Othello as well as donations from community members.

He said how soon the program will return to Ritzville depends on how much support is available and the number of families interested in participating.

Those interested in supporting Strengthening Families or for more information about the Adams County Juvenile Court system can contact Juan Garza at 488-5646.