Youths who engage in criminal activity want something in return

By Lucia Henry

Juvenile delinquency is not new to the islands, perhaps its one of the oldest social problems which continues to plague the CNMI. Why does it happen? Sociologists have different theories as to why this type of behavior occurs. Their belief is to understand the behavior and hence come up with workable solutions. However, sociological expertise is not shared by everyone working in the forefront of youth social service agencies, involved with intervention and prevention. So, how can the community involve itself into working towards a common goal?

During my limited years of experience working with youths from different socioeconomic background I have observed one behavior which continue to remain constant, youths who engage in criminal activity want something in return. Either they steal for profit, or steal for pleasure; there is always something to be gained. Segregation of social class has limited our view of this reasoning, making it difficult to truly see the problem as it is. Since birth we have been taught that there are different social classes each person belongs too. Labeling has been accepted because of this. Depending on one’s perspective, this can be a positive or a negative factor when addressing juvenile delinquency.

To prove this point let’s examine a positive example, the Garapan Youth Learning Center. Upon entering its doors, youths and their families are not known because of their race, or how much they can contribute to the facility financially. They are known because of who they are and their commitment into becoming productive families in the community. Labeling is absent, name-calling is discouraged, and facilitators are trained to a certain mind set. A mind set which calls for a different way of thinking, unconditional acceptance, patience, and understanding. Instead of asking ourselves, “why am I here”, we have been taught to say “we are here because…”. Positive results from a fun learning environment have been and will always be the center’s goal. I have seen youths remain enemies during school hours, and then as friends during the after-school hours while at the center. A contributing factor which has fostered the harmonious relationship during homework assistance, tutorial, beach clean-up activities, diabetes education, tobacco, and substance abuse workshops, and the various activities conducted by the center, making it possible for youths to grow academically, socially and healthy. The difference is that the center recognizes what youth desires. They want to belong, to feel needed, and they want to feel safe. Breaching their feelings of belonging, needing, and safety has resulted into what we see today, the steady occurrences of juvenile delinquency.

Our government has labeled youth programs by classes and this must be stopped. Funding must be made readily available for working solutions. Facilitators don’t have time to solicit local politicians and private businesses for financial assistance. Federal grants take up most of the time allotted for free time, a facilitator is tasked to research each grant and fill out the application attached accordingly, this does not take hours, but months in advance. There is no time to dilly dally and wait by the phone, or wait by the copier, a productive facilitator is innovative to keep up with the changing lifestyles and trends. A productive facilitator is willing to spend morning breaks performing administration duties, followed by janitorial up keep to ensure cleanliness for the participants which generally includes maintenance and plumbing on a monthly basis, then during the after-school hours the facilitator becomes a teacher, friend, counselor, mentor, trainer, and a researcher towards youth participants. All this in a day’s work, done with unconditional acceptance, patience, and understanding, this is how we can help youths become productive adults.

Our government must be supportive not only financially, but on a personal level as well. Pay a visit to a center, witness first hand the working environment of the center, and don’t just rely on reports by print or word of mouth. Go there because your presence alone says a lot to the kids who see you. They would appreciate and have pride that someone as important as you are took time off to confirm your belief in their needs, and wants. This must be shared by private businesses as well.

While growing up school-age children don’t contemplate on becoming a criminal. They have dreams, hopes, and aspirations, but this is in danger when a child feels alienated by adults, and by peers. Alienation contributes to a child’s negative outlook of life, “if the shoe fits…” There are many youth programs in the CNMI, but how many can combine youths from different classes, race, age, and socioeconomic background without segregating them accordingly. Practicing this method has attracted and sustained the youth population at the center, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.

The purpose of writing this openly is to hopefully send out a message that the center is much more than a baby-sitting facility. Without knowing what a valuable tool the center has been to the community there are many youths out there at risk. A seed was planted years ago, and today the fruit of the seed is enjoyed by the community. Because of this seed, lives have been saved, families have come together, and most importantly businesses in the surrounding area have rested peacefully.