Slain Youth’s Mom Decries Juvenile Violence : Law enforcement: Parent of teen killed by a paint roller joins discussion of youth justice system at forum sponsored by Conroy.

The mother of a San Clemente teen-ager who was speared through the head by youths two years ago warned a state panel exploring juvenile violence Friday that “juveniles are running amok, terrorizing our communities.”

Kathy Woods, whose son Stephen was killed in the attack, was one of about 60 victims, ex-gang members, law enforcement officers and others who offered their suggestions for changing California’s juvenile justice system at a forum sponsored by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (R-Orange).

They called for more resources to fund juvenile reform, tougher sentences, parental accountability and use of former gang members to help reform others.

“The most disturbing trend among juveniles is the explosion of violent crime,” Conroy said. “It is my hope that our dialogue will produce legislation and administrative solutions to reducing juvenile crime.”

Since 1987, arrests of juveniles for violent offenses has increased 63%, compared to a 20% increase for adults, Conroy said. The admission of violent juveniles into the California Youth Authority increased from 47% in 1990 to 59% in 1993, he said.

Frank Fasel, the presiding judge of Orange County Juvenile Court, told the panel that the solution may be beyond the reach of legislators.

“I think you can pass all the laws you want to pass, but you will still have the same sociological problem,” Fasel said. “Based on what I see in the courts, there is a breakdown in the family.”

A state commission currently forming to study the juvenile justice system also will look at juvenile justice in relation to the breakdown of the family, said Michael Carrington, who works in the governor’s office.

Others expressed concerns that the financial condition of Orange County will adversely affect the juvenile system.

“As you know, the Joplin institution is going to be cut,” Fasel said, referring to the Joplin Youth Center for delinquent youths.

“Instead of eliminating institutions, we need to make them more secure,” he said.

Former Santa Ana gang member Billy Moisan, who attended Joplin in 1972, agreed.

“Curbing juvenile crime takes money, money to maintain institutions. . . . How can we realistically put forth any policies with the state that Orange County is in at the time?” said Moisan, 37, who speaks to at-risk youths through a church group called God’s Gang.

As a former gang member, Moisan said he is able to earn the trust of gang members who want to reform.

“If you’re a gang member, who are you going to listen to? A probation officer who has had fours years of education at UCLA or a former gang member?” Moisan said. “You feel better hearing from someone who has experience than from someone who has written a book on gangs.”

Woods agreed, and suggested that reformed gang members might help courts determine whether offenders can be rehabilitated.

“Only former gang members have the insight to determine if a youngster is hardened. . . . I would like to see the use of hands-on people, reformed gang members . . . in assessing criminals,” she said.

Most agreed that proactive rather than reactive approaches to juvenile delinquency are more effective.

“We cannot simply focus on the consequences of juveniles when they are standing before the judge,” said Lonetta Riley, a juvenile crime specialist for the state. “We have to focus on those on the fringes, those who find gang membership attractive. As long as we continue to react, it will continue to occur.”