The Williamsport Sun-Gazette’s Editorial Opinion (Monday June 22) describes a need for “multi-faceted” efforts addressing juvenile crime prevention. The opinion lauds efforts by Police to hold juveniles, parents and guardians “accountable”.

Lycoming County Juvenile Probation Director Matt Minier, in an article by Pat Crossley (May 29 “We Care About Kids” Lycoming County Commissioners Host Meeting on Ways to Help Youth) explained that “evidence based probation instituted in 2009 is “time consuming, technical” and “greatly increased the workload of staff”. This even though allegations have “declined 50% over the last 15 years”. Approximately “3% ages 10-21” are in the system, and only “0.3% are high or very high risk”.

Mr. Minier went on to say that the system only offers two probation “options” when juveniles are charged with a crime, detainment or placement. Detainment is “similar to jail. There’s no treatment and it’s meant to be short-term”

The Lycoming County Juvenile Probation budget exploded from $2.9 million in 2025 to $5.2 million, and it experienced a six figure Federal funding cut to boot.

A 2023 Lycoming County Youth Survey funded by Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and Department of Education revealed several disturbing findings:

Students in Lycoming County reported the three highest risk factors as “Low Commitment Toward School” (60.8% of students at risk); “Parental Attitudes Favorable Toward Antisocial Behavior” (54.5% at risk); and “Low Neighborhood Attachment” (49.6% at risk). Students likewise reported above state averages on depressive symptoms (including thoughts of suicide) and believed availability to handguns was greater than to that of controlled substances.

There is an urgent need for intervention, diversion, and court system alternatives. Community assets like Juvenile Uplifting Mentoring Program combine youth mentoring with family strengthening and life skills. J.U.M.P. employs evidence-based curriculum with proven strategies to address poverty, trauma, and justice-system exposure. They need our Community support.

WILLIAM HENDERSON

Williamsport

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