"There was a time when young people would land in juvee for crimes as minor as shoplifting, marijuana use and fights on school grounds. That approach existed even when Tamara Gusman-Taylor, director of Martinez's Juvenile Hall, started working in juvenile justice 18 years ago. But times have changed. That's not the juvenile halls of today it's not what you see in the movies or on TV, Gusman-Taylor said. We have young people that are the most serious felony offenders that we are trying to rehabilitate."
"Asbestos, lead and mold have festered in the old juvenile hall since its occupants were moved to a new site two decades ago. After years of sitting vacant as a miscellaneous storage site attracting break-ins, vandalism and theft the county in planning its demolition. County supervisors approved plans to tear down the building at 202 Glacier Drive two years ago. Bidding for the $6.2 million construction contract will begin in early December, and pre-bid meetings kicked off with a job site visit Tuesday."
Juvenile justice in Contra Costa County has shifted from detaining youth for minor offenses to focusing on rehabilitating serious felony offenders. Martinez Juvenile Hall leadership reports that current populations include the most serious felony offenders requiring rehabilitation. County officials view demolition of the old 1950s facility as symbolic of efforts to restructure services and create age-appropriate, programmatically robust opportunities outside long-term confinement. The vacant building has harbored asbestos, lead and mold and has attracted break-ins, vandalism and theft. Supervisors approved demolition plans and bidding for a $6.2 million construction contract will begin in early December.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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