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Kristin Stoycheff, court counselor in Juvenile Diversion program and Kelly McLaren, member of the Brandon-Valrico Neighborhood Accountability Board and community resource deputy, work together to keep juveniles straight and neighborhoods safe.
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Instead of sending troubled juveniles straight to detention centers, the Brandon-Valrico Neighborhood Accountability Board gives them the opportunity to step up and take responsibility for wrong decisions made in the community.
Started in March 2006, the board has 10 members who hear the cases of juvenile misbehavior from neighborhoods in areas such as Valrico, Brandon and Riverview.
"The group started to address juvenile crime in the areas and provide the children with an opportunity to learn to be accountable for their actions and fix the problem they created to help make them be a positive member in the community," states Kelly McLaren, Brandon community resource deputy and member.
So far, the group has had 30 cases brought before them.
The juvenile, a first-time offender age 8-18, must admit to the crime and will be given tasks to help reconcile the wrong done to the community, in turn, keeping him or her out of the court system. He or she is also given the chance to meet with the wronged community member to gain the perspective of the victim's view and its impact on the victim.
"We take the time needed to learn not just the 'who' and 'what' but most importantly the 'why' - why the juvenile chose to break the law," says McLaren. "We chose sanctions that will not just punish the offender, but will encourage them to learn from their mistakes and empower them to make better choices to improve upon their future. Juveniles must admit their guilt, be willing to participate in the program fully and most importantly take responsibility for their actions."
After receiving a background check and attending a one-day training seminar, residents who are interested in the group are welcome to become members of the board.
"Potential members must have a concern for their community and be willing to work with juveniles in a positive manner," adds McLaren. "It's a good opportunity for the youth to see that the community cares about them and that their actions affect the community in many ways."
The Brandon-Valrico Neighborhood Accountability Board meets the third Thursday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Office in Brandon located at 10119 Windhorst Rd.
To begin your own group, contact Lora Karas, alternative sanctions coordinator for Juvenile Diversion, at 272-6766 or go to www.fljud13.org for more information.
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