Pubdate: Fri, 6 Feb 2004 Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA) Copyright: 2004 San Jose Mercury News Contact: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390 Author: George Kennedy, District Attorney, Santa Clara County 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman