Cuts Would Damage Justice Programs

The Orange County Grand Jury is extremely concerned about Gov. George Deukmejian’s proposal to cut funding to the County Justice System Subvention Program by 55% and what its effect will be on Orange County, particularly on programs addressing juvenile delinquency.

Orange County stands to lose $2.9 million. Such a dramatic cutback jeopardizes juvenile diversion programs, drug abuse therapy, emergency youth shelters, programs for adult ex-offenders and county services offered by the Probation Department, district attorney and public defender.

The Probation Department would be hit the hardest. As you noted in a news story on Sunday, April 23, in the Orange County Edition, probation would likely have to close one of its four juvenile institutions. Instead of incarcerating and rehabilitating juvenile delinquents locally, we would be sending more young people to the already overcrowded California Youth Authority institutions where they will serve commitments with hard-core gang members from Los Angeles.

The juvenile diversion programs threatened by the budget cut provide an excellent alternative for young people who have had a minor brush with the law. About 1,500 teen-agers a year participate in these programs in which they pay restitution to crime victims, do community service and receive counseling.

The Orange County Grand Jury urges the residents of Orange County to write the governor and their local legislators to urge them to retain funding for the County Justice System Subvention Program. The loss of these funds would have a devastating impact on a wide array of criminal justice programs in Orange County. The county of Orange is not in a financial position to replace this funding from its general funds. It is vitally important that the state subvention program be maintained at current levels.

JAMES O. LINDBERG

Foreman

Orange County Grand Jury