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SUMMARY "If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the village. If there is order in the village, there will be peace in the world."…..Susan Pinkerton, E.S.C.A.P.E. Center of Salem, OR The writing of the Five-year Strategic Plan was a data driven and time-consuming process. It is a project undertaken in order to improve services to all of Baker County’s children and families. The intent of every member of the Community Planning Team was to build a solid plan which would be implemented. The members of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation workgroup determined priorities, focusing on realistic prioritization of those key areas that would have the most impact, and were most attainable. The PME members also felt it incumbent upon them to ensure implementation. With this intent in mind, the Baker County Prevention Coalition was identified as the lead agency charged with follow-through, and the juvenile prevention subgroups have been chosen to implement and support the component projects within this plan. Many of the Coalition members were an integral part of the Comprehensive Strategy process. This coalition comprises members from a wide range of agencies and programs. Their juvenile prevention subgroup has been chosen to manage this plan. The Community Planning Team and the Baker County Prevention Coalition members recognize the importance of using programs that meet the definition of "Best Practices" (see Definitions and Appendix 6). Baker County residents are fortunate in that several programs which meet this definition are currently being used. Grants have been written for programs such as the JumpStart mentoring program and Project ALERT (focused on reducing alcohol use by minors). Approximately 80 percent of resources will focus on Best Practices programs. However, understanding that it is also important to recognize innovative and promising practices, the other 20 percent of resources will be focused on promising practices. Prevention is the key with which we can lock future deserted and unused detention facilities. Conversely, ignoring the needs of our children will lay the foundation of future prisons. This is not to say that team members believe they will completely rid their county of crime. However, they acknowledge that the difference between prevention and intervention lies in the first being proactive and the second being reactive. They are also fully aware that there is a considerable cost savings in using proven prevention methods at an early stage in a child’s life and development, as opposed to waiting until the same child is an active criminal and intervening through sanctions. While prevention is the primary focus of this plan, all members acknowledge the need for ongoing intervention, sanctioning of delinquent and/or criminal behavior, and effective treatment and aftercare programs. But, by utilizing the best prevention practices possible, Baker County professionals will serve children and families through a responsible approach that includes healthier families in a healthier community environment. |
