Closing County Juvenile Camps

Like most axioms, “Penny-wise and pound-foolish” has become a cliche because its truth is proved over and over again. The latest example is Los Angeles County’s Chief Probation Officer Barry Nidorf’s proposal to close 14 of 15 Los Angeles County juvenile detention camps (Metro, March 21).

Penny-wise, closures would save $20 million according to Nidorf. Pound-foolish, he estimates closure of camps in California could cost the California Youth Authority (euphemism for prison for minors) an additional $110 million, because the county camps have relieved state facilities. But the state has budgeted zero for the camps for the next fiscal year.

There is no way to put a dollar price on the cost to the youngsters, ages 13 to 18, for whom camps have proven to be a positive alternative to incarceration in life-diminishing prisons. Troubled youngsters need and deserve this one special chance to become productive members of the community.

The Times reported on some of the outstanding camp programs: Last year, many young people received their high school certificates while studying at the camps and participated proudly in graduation ceremonies at Hollywood Bowl. The second Operation Graduation is in the planning stage. Scholarships and grants will be awarded to minors to further their education. Dedicated probation officers, counselors and teachers have joined to lead these minors toward a better life. What will the cost be to the community to lose these dedicated professionals?

The camps must continue to operate and to expand. The price of closure is far too high for California to pay.

VIRGINIA M. DONOHUE

Los Angeles