Aurora Mayor Learns Hard Truth About Denver Homeless Firsthand
The conclusions that Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has drawn after going undercover in Denver’s homeless camps and shelters are spot on, and those who disagree should have the courage to risk their lives the way he did to find that out for themselves. After spending a week in shelters and unsanctioned homeless camps, Coffman believes the unsanctioned camps are a…
Improving DYS: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
In my blog post A Parent’s Suggestions for Improving the Division of Youth Services, I outlined several areas DYS needs to improve upon. The fourth area is mental health and substance abuse services, which I believe can be improved in the following ways: Hire additional therapists and certified addiction counselors Offer more individual therapy and family therapy Focus less on…
Improving DYS: Security Measures
In my blog post A Parent’s Suggestions for Improving the Division of Youth Services, I outlined several areas DYS needs to improve upon. The third area is security, which I believe is severely lacking. DYS can improve security in its facilities by doing the following: End contracts with private companies for greater control over and consistency among facilities Implement the…
Improving DYS: Hiring and Training Requirements for Staff
In my blog post A Parent’s Suggestions for Improving the Division of Youth Services, I outlined several areas DYS needs to improve upon. The second area is the hiring and training requirements for staff, which I believe need to be more comprehensive. DYS can improve the environment inside its facilities by making these changes to its hiring and training practices:…
Improving DYS – Family Involvement
In my blog post A Parent’s Suggestions for Improving the Division of Youth Services, I outlined several areas DYS needs to improve upon. The first is facilitating family involvement, which I believe can be accomplished in the following ways: Place youth in a facility as close to their families as possible Advise parents of the visitation and phone call procedures…
Melissa Marscellus
A writer, a mom, and an advocate for mental health and juvenile justice reform, Melissa shines a light on our youth in crisis. Read full bio