WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's secure detention centers serve all sixty seven counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The facilities provide more than seven hundred sixty three beds statewide for more than ten thousand admissions to juvenile detention centers each year; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's juvenile detention centers adhere to the balance and restorative justice model, contribute to public safety by providing a stable environment for at risk youths, both pre-adjudicated and adjudicated, providing education and programming and ensuring sufficient opportunities for growth and development; and
WHEREAS, Through continuing efforts of the juvenile courts, juvenile detention is utilized only when lesser restrictive environments are not in the best interest of a youth or community; and
WHEREAS, Youth who have made poor choices in the past can make positive changes in their lives when the right interventions are in place; and
WHEREAS, Positive relationships and mentoring from caring responsible adults are key to transforming the lives of young people who need positive reinforcement; and
WHEREAS, Through public awareness, the Department of Human Services in the City of Philadelphia is seeking to change the public's perception of delinquent youth from that of problems in the community, to that of resources for the community, while providing safety for the community and the youth; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize October 21-25, 2013 as Juvenile Detention Centers Week.
Further Resolved, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Department of Human Services' Juvenile Justice Services Center, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End