Q: Within your capacity as Youth Court judge, what would you do to try to reduce or prevent youth crime and recidivism?

Walt Brown: By law, a judge comes into the picture after the fact. A judge’s role is usually reactive as opposed to proactive. For a long time, the general thought was that if you punish a youthful offender severe enough, he or she won’t act out again and others around him or her will get the message and not act out as well. That used to be an effective way to prevent crime or recidivism. It still works to some extent, but is probably not as effective as it was 35 or 40 years ago when I was growing up in Natchez. I would like to develop new programs in partnership with law enforcement and the schools. I and my staff would have a more visible presence in the schools, youth programs and even in the churches if necessary and regularly speak to children about responsibility, accountability and avoiding the dangers and temptations that they will face in the coming years. I would like to develop more effective parenting programs because that is where it all starts with the family and shaping these kids’ attitudes and lives.

Lamar Bullen: I will implement a mentoring program wherein I will reach out to people in our community such as educators, retired educators, churches, pastors, deacons, coaches and others in order to prevent problems in, correct problems in and make a difference in children’s lives. Once the problem in that child’s life is prevented or corrected, then they will be able to go to school, hold a job and be a productive member of society.

Patricia Dunmore: There are two things that are important in crime prevention and recidivism: 1) Evaluate the seriousness of the crime and the remedies you have in the rehabilitation of the offender. 2) Consider the victims. We do not want the child to prey upon the community. We need to decide if the child has exhausted all the programs and resources in Youth Court that is available. Some of the programs that are available to the court are: The Youth Drug Court, Family Drug Court and Adolescent Opportunity Program. These programs provide day treatment, drug testing and intensive monitoring for compliance.

Brandi Lewis: In one word — accountability.  This accountability is not only on behalf of the youth that are coming before the Youth Court, but also their family. Through the rehabilitation programs of the Youth Court, I will work to make sure the children are accountable for their actions and also will ensure that the children remain in contact with our court through the immense resources that are at the court’s disposal. The family and children need ongoing counseling to aid in keeping all of those involved on the right track and right path. We as a community and a court cannot just throw out a remedy and expect it to be effective without continued dialogue with, and support of, the child and family in need.

Scott Pintard: The elimination of youth crime is impossible. By nature, children will inevitably do wrong. Children lack the capacity to evaluate circumstances on their own and this is why parenting and mentors are so important. My focus will be on reducing the amount of wrongs and reducing recidivism rates through the use of tools already in place and some new programs. Our children need to be respectful and responsible for their actions based on their age. These principles can be and are taught through parents and through their peers. If a child is presented to me in Youth Court, a thorough analysis of the child’s family situation and environment will be conducted to see what changes can be made or obstacles eliminated to alter the inappropriate behavior. Parents should be held to a certain standard of responsibility for their children especially in the departments of respect and responsibility. In addition, I hope to have an open communication with our teachers and administrators in identifying problems before children end up in Youth Court. We should be able to tailor some type of counseling or programs to make sure our children stay focused on the good and don’t get distracted and caught up by those who use and take advantage of our children for wrong things.

Scott Slover: We need to hold the delinquents and their parents accountable. We need to get children vested in a positive activity that keeps them off of the streets, off of drugs and in school were they can build a life to be successful. We also need to focus on abused and neglected children and ensuring they get the proper care custody and supervision that they deserve. All too often, these kids grow to become delinquent children. This side of the Youth Court has been ignored for too long, and I want to refocus our Adams County Court on these children. Finally, the children and citizens of Adams County are greatly underserved with regard to mental health, and I would labor to greatly improve and expand this area.