The Petition
Children in our state’s 25 juvenile detention centers should be allowed to read books in their cells.
Catherine Arnold, spokeswoman for the Department of Juvenile Justice, says that children, ages 7 to 17, in Florida’s juvenile detention centers (JDC) are denied books in their cells. Children can be detained for months. Yet, when these same children leave for any other destination, such as a residential facility, their reading privileges are restored. Even inmates in the Pinellas County Jail, including those under 18 charged as adults, have magazines and books in their cells.
Excuses given by JDC staff for banning books from the youth’s cells include use of a book to: hit a guard; clog a toilet; make a rope; and jam a lock. However, Jack Levine, president of the advocacy group Center for Florida's Children, points out “It's a little bit of a stretch to believe the book-as-weapon theory.” Levine said he understands the need for maintaining security in detention centers, but adds, “at first blush I would of course assume that if a young person wants a book in the confined area of their sleeping cells, we should be smiling.” Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Frank Quesada agrees: “I would hope that if a child wanted to read something...that's something we should not only encourage but also assist in.” The St. Petersburg Times, in an August 30, 2001 editorial, echoed these sentiments when it published
| “The shortsighted policy of barring juvenile offenders from reading in their cells serves neither the juveniles nor the state. Young people everywhere - and those in detention more than most – need the expanded horizons and sense of possibility that come from reading books.” |
Even other states allow their JDC residents books in their cells. The Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center in Olathe, Kansas allows books in the rooms of the youth detained there. Bruce Rider, Director of Juvenile Services, said this facility has a well-stocked library, and security issues concerning books have been minimized with a highly-educated, well-trained staff. The facility meets the “tallest of standards”, he adds, being one of 30 in the country accredited by the American Correctional Association. NEWS FLASH... 9-11-01 9:05am Sarasota, FL: While visiting Emma E. Booker Elementary School, President Bush hears about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers. When told of this tragedy, he is next to a chalkboard sign that says “READING MAKES A COUNTRY GREAT”. NEWS FLASH... 9-8-01 Washington, DC, Capitol Hill: First Lady Laura Bush attends the first National Book Festival, which marked the start of a White House effort to highlight the importance of reading skills.
Please correct this “shortsighted policy” and provide books to youth in their cells at juvenile detention centers in the state of Florida.
Signed,
Concerned Citizen
Click here to send an e-mail to justice4kids.org in support of this petition.