少年司法危機：我們的社區採取行動的時候了

上週，田納西州眾議員羅尼·格林出席了蒙哥馬利縣法院的兩場活動，一場是為退伍軍人治療法庭畢業生舉辦的，另一場是為少年法庭訴訟舉行的。他見證了退伍軍人法庭計劃的變革性影響，退伍軍人對第二次機會表示感謝，並描述了他們的生活和家庭的積極變化。然而，少年法庭的訴訟程序凸顯了令人沮喪的父親缺席，這是導致再犯率較高的因素。格林強調社區組織需要支持年輕人，特別是單親家庭的年輕人，並呼籲合作編制一份可供年輕人使用的資源清單。

Juvenile Justice: A Call to Action

少年司法：行動呼籲

As a Tennessee Representative, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of second chances and the disheartening realities of juvenile delinquency. Last week, I attended two starkly contrasting events that laid bare the urgent need for our community to prioritize the well-being of our youth.

作為田納西州眾議員，我親眼目睹了第二次機會的變革力量和青少年犯罪的令人沮喪的現實。上週，我參加了兩場截然不同的活動，這些活動暴露了我們社區優先考慮年輕人福祉的迫切需求。

At the Montgomery County Veteran Treatment Court graduation, I was moved by the resilience and triumph of over 20 veterans who had overcome adversity and reclaimed their lives. These men and women, once burdened by mistakes, had found redemption through the court's compassionate and rehabilitative approach. As they stood before their loved ones, tears of joy streamed down their faces, a testament to the profound impact of giving individuals a second chance.

在蒙哥馬利縣退伍軍人治療法庭的畢業典禮上，我被 20 多名退伍軍人克服逆境、重獲新生的韌性和勝利所感動。這些曾經背負著錯誤的男男女女，透過法院的富有同情心和平反的態度得到了救贖。當他們站在親人面前時，喜悅的淚水從他們的臉上流下來，證明了給予個人第二次機會的深遠影響。

Just two days later, I was deeply troubled by the proceedings in Montgomery County Juvenile Court. The courtroom was a somber tableau of broken promises and lost opportunities. A staggering 17 pages of charges were presented, representing the countless lives of our children marred by crime. As child after child stood before the judge, it became painfully clear that the vast majority lacked the essential presence of a father in their lives.

僅僅兩天后，蒙哥馬利郡少年法庭的訴訟程序讓我深感不安。法庭上呈現出一片陰鬱的景象：違背承諾、失去機會。長達 17 頁的指控令人震驚，代表了無數被犯罪破壞的孩子的生活。當一個又一個的孩子站在法官面前時，我們痛苦地發現，絕大多數人的生活中都缺乏父親的存在。

Research unequivocally demonstrates the pivotal role that fathers play in shaping the destiny of their children. In a study of juvenile recidivism, it was found that those with a present father in their case were three times less likely to reoffend than those whose fathers were absent. This absence of paternal influence creates a void that can lead to a cycle of delinquency and despair.

研究明確表明父親在塑造孩子命運方面發揮關鍵作用。一項針對青少年再犯的研究發現，父親在場的青少年再犯的可能性是父親不在場的青少年的三倍。父親影響的缺失造成了一種空虛，可能導致犯罪和絕望的惡性循環。

I am issuing a clarion call to our community to confront this crisis head-on. For five years, I have been a proud member of Big Brother's Big Sister, an organization that pairs mentors with at-risk youth. While the journey can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. My "little brother" continues to thrive academically, and I remain committed to supporting him throughout his educational journey.

我向我們的社區發出直面這場危機的號角。五年來，我一直很自豪地成為「老大哥大姐」的一員，該組織為高危險青少年提供導師。雖然旅程充滿挑戰，但回報是無法估量的。我的「弟弟」繼續在學業上茁壯成長，我仍然致力於在他的整個教育生涯中支持他。

In recognition of the desperate need for positive outlets for our youth, I have worked tirelessly with the Mid-Tennessee Boys and Girls Club and a dedicated team of Clarksville leaders to bring this vital organization to our community. The BGC will provide a safe and enriching environment where young people can develop their skills, build character, and escape the dangers that often lurk in their neighborhoods.

認識到我們的年輕人迫切需要積極的出路，我與田納西州中部男孩和女孩俱樂部以及克拉克斯維爾領導人的敬業團隊不懈合作，將這個重要的組織帶入我們的社區。 BGC 將提供一個安全、豐富的環境，讓年輕人可以發展技能、塑造品格，並逃離社區中經常潛伏的危險。

Numerous other organizations across the county are dedicated to empowering young men and women, but many of these organizations operate in relative obscurity. I urge all such organizations to reach out to my office. Together, we can create a comprehensive database of resources that will connect our youth with the support and guidance they need.

全縣還有許多其他組織致力於賦予青年男女權力，但其中許多組織的運作相對默默無聞。我敦促所有此類組織聯繫我的辦公室。我們可以共同創建一個全面的資源資料庫，將我們的年輕人與他們所需的支持和指導聯繫起來。

By sharing this information at public events and town hall meetings, we can raise awareness of these services and ensure that every young person in Clarksville has the opportunity to succeed. Our children deserve a future free from crime and despair. Let us seize this opportunity to save our kids and create a brighter tomorrow for our community.

透過在公共活動和市政廳會議上分享這些訊息，我們可以提高人們對這些服務的認識，並確保克拉克斯維爾的每個年輕人都有機會成功。我們的孩子應該擁有一個沒有犯罪和絕望的未來。讓我們把握這個機會，拯救我們的孩子，為我們的社區創造更美好的明天。