For a second week, a presentation before Lexington city council members focused on addressing violence in the bluegrass community. The emphasis Tuesday was on enforcement and re-entry. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told the Council youth re-entry pertains not just to teenagers, but to their families too.
“Some of the situations they get in, they’re not sure how to handle and sometimes they may ignore some situations because it’s easier to ignore them at home. But, that’s enabling and we try to give help in that aspect of it,” said Weathers.
And the chief said re-entry to life outside of incarceration shouldn’t only apply to perpetrators, but also to victims. Weathers noted there’s a need for additional mental health services for youth. He added sometimes insurance issues create a barrier to care.
“We actually need facilities here in the city for them. We’re very limited on that. And I spoke just briefly about re-entry, but to me, when you ask me where re-entry starts. It doesn’t start when they get out. It should start when they get in,” said Weathers.
City Public Safety Commissioner Ken Armstrong said issues like affordable housing can be addressed while someone is still incarcerated. For some juveniles, Armstrong noted traditional detention is not always the best approach. He added mentorship and counseling can prove beneficial.
