JUVENILE OFFENDERS NEED EARLY INTERVENTION

I agree that the governor needs to improve mental health services for
California's juvenile offenders (Opinion, Jan. 30). I know from my office's
participation in Santa Clara County's Juvenile Mental Health Court that
quality mental health services for juvenile offenders are possible and
successful in preventing further penetration into the juvenile justice
system by youth.

While inadequacies at the California Youth Authority need to be addressed,
earlier intervention is important. When youths first enter the juvenile
justice system, we need to screen and assess their mental health and
substance abuse problems and provide quality treatment services. Research
by the program Fight Crime: Invest in Kids shows that law enforcement
leaders around the California believe early intervention services for
troubled youth should become a public priority. Programs proven to prevent
juvenile crime are a wise investment.

George Kennedy

District attorney

Santa Clara County