Officials report juvenile arrests in Idaho drop significantly

Earlier this week, the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections reported the number of kids being arrested has dropped significantly.

There are only three juvenile corrections facilities in the state — Lewiston, Nampa, and St. Anthony.

Superintendent of the St. Anthony facility, Skip Greene, spoke with Stephanie Hale-Lopez today. Although he wasn’t able to go on camera, he gave Stephanie a tour of the campus and explained the different programs available to the kids that help with their success.

First though, let’s take a look at the facility’s demographics.

140 juveniles can be housed on St. Anthony’s campus; at the moment, there are 124.

Greene said his facility houses the worst offenders in the state. Their charges range from murder to rape and some have severe substance abuse.

In 2001, the State of Idaho arrested nearly 18,000 juveniles. In 2011, only 12,677 were arrested.

What’s more — 7 out of 10 juveniles live crime-free lives after their stay.

They’re asked to look after each other in what’s called the “Positive Peer Culture” program, attend school or work, and participate in a variety of therapeutic programs as well.

Greene also said the highly trained staff and the help the juveniles receive from the community helps tremendously.

Monday, Governor Otter recommended a 2-percent increase in state funding for the IDJC and supports adding 7 staff members at the St. Anthony facility.