Hello,
Our 2009 annual report is done! Despite shrinking dollars and increasing case loads my office made progress on our 2009 goals:
- The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative reduces the number of children in secure detention and works to eliminate the disproportionate number of youth of color involved in the juvenile justice system. Last year, the number of juvenile delinquency referrals for prosecution dropped almost 10%!
- We continued to support specialty courts, and substantial progress was made in establishing a mental health court in Duluth. Addressing the unique needs of individuals with mental health and dependency issues leads to a reduction in recidivism.
- We worked with schools and youth agencies to change the culture around school attendance and strengthened our coordinated response to truancy.
- The Office provided essential services to more victims of crime than ever before and assisted witnesses to crime as well. We continue collaborating with Men As Peacemakers on our Crime Victim Healing and Support Circles.
- Good citizenship is a priority: all staff members participated in diversity and multi-cultural train¬ing to ensure that all citizens are treated fairly, equitably, and with dignity.
Melanie Ford
St. Louis County Attorney