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Don Carpenter is the executive director of the Rural Futures Fund.
At the heart of Maine’s juvenile justice system lies a narrative of struggle, chronicled in the recent article published by both the Bangor Daily News and New York Times. Yet, amidst the challenges highlighted, there shines a beacon of hope: a concerted effort to invest in positive youth development initiatives across the state.
While the article may paint a realistic picture of a broken juvenile justice system, it fails to acknowledge the considerable progress made by Gov. Janet Mills’ administration, statewide agencies, philanthropic foundations, and organizations dedicated to positive youth development to tackle the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency.
The active involvement of the youth development sector across Maine has played a pivotal role in the declining number of referrals to Long Creek over the past decade.
Two examples of the Mills administration’s investments in programs aimed at preventing youth delinquency and promoting positive youth development are the ongoing funding provided to Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) and the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN).
JMG partners with public education and private businesses to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials, and pursue meaningful careers, while MYAN provides restorative practices support, education, and technical assistance in schools.
Additionally, the Maine Department of Education has spearheaded initiatives to provide resources for marginalized and disengaged youth, creating alternative pathways for vulnerable adolescents. Extended Learning Opportunities grants to help Maine youth gain a better understanding of their career opportunities, acquire valuable foundational and 21st Century job skills, as well as create meaningful connections to employers in our state. These efforts signify a commitment to fostering a supportive environment conducive to the growth and wellbeing of Maine’s youth.
Furthermore, the recent decision by the Maine Recovery Council, as reported in the Bangor Daily News on Dec. 7, to allocate part of the opioid settlement money toward youth development efforts is a testament to the collective determination to address underlying factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, Maine is taking proactive steps to break the cycle of youth involvement in the criminal justice system and pave the way for a brighter future for its youth.
In addition to the state’s efforts to strengthen positive youth development, collaborative initiatives involving philanthropic foundations and youth-serving organizations are actively supporting youth through funding, comprehensive training, ensuring equitable access, expanding youth activities, and fostering more partnerships between schools and out-of-school programs. Notably, the Peter Alfond Foundation and the Rural Futures Fund, where I am the executive director, are taking the lead in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the wider spectrum of youth development.
The article overlooked mentioning numerous efforts across the state that are making remarkable strides in establishing long-term relational centered strategies that foster circles of care around youth from early adolescence into young adulthood. These organizations include The Landing Place, Portland Community Squash, Midcoast Youth Center, Tree Street Youth, Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, Maine 4-H, Out Maine, The Game Loft, Trekkers, Maine Seacoast Mission, Rivers and Roads of Maine, Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, Alfond Youth and Community Center, Old Town/Orono YMCA, Rural Youth Institute, and many others.
It is essential to recognize and celebrate these efforts, as they represent a paradigm shift in how we approach juvenile justice. Instead of merely reacting to juvenile delinquency, Maine is proactively investing in youth development, focusing on prevention rather than only punishment.
While the challenges to reforming Maine’s juvenile justice system are undoubtedly complex and multifaceted, it is crucial to acknowledge the progress being made to prevent young people from ever engaging with the juvenile justice system. By shining a light on these efforts, we can inspire continued investment and commitment to youth development, ultimately creating a brighter and more hopeful future for Maine’s youth.
