FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — According to the Franklin County Juvenile Court, there were nearly 1,600 felonies charged against juveniles last year, the most in over a decade. In an effort to combat it, the court launched a program hoping to deter kids from becoming repeat offenders.
“Had a meeting in the garage downstairs and that is where it started,” said Franklin County Juvenile Court Judge George Leach.
"We have to approach this totally differently,” said Mike Rankin, first assistant prosecutor for special projects for the Franklin County prosecutor's office
The Juvenile Auto Theft Diversion Program started this spring and targeted younger juveniles who were passengers in stolen vehicles on their first arrest.
“It's getting the youngsters early on because we know they are recruited in that 9-14 age category. They are taught to break into cars and steal guns. That's a national problem, not just here,” Rankin explained.
According to the juvenile court, 34% of juveniles they see have been charged in more than one case.
“Everybody can tell you a story now about a friend or relative who has had an impact, had their car stolen or the economic problems associated with that as well,” Leach said.
Kids attended sessions through We Are Linden after school Monday through Thursday and during the summer. They worked with mentors, made art projects and heard from speakers. If kids successfully complete the program, the Franklin County prosecutor's office will pay their victim $500 in restitution and the charges will be dropped.
“Having a group to belong to instead of a criminal group, have them belong to a larger group where they can be the influencers of other youth in our community,” Rankin said.
The kids from the program met alongside others who have admitted to stealing cars, but have never been caught.
“Changes in our girl who started out reluctant to say the least. She was very reluctant in the beginning to the point of almost quitting the program. They convinced her to come back again and by the end of it she was so thankful,” Leach said.
Leach said he's hoping this different approach will make a ripple effect for the kids and all of public safety.
“Everyone wants this to work because we all have the same objective. We don't want kids in here. I would gladly lose my job if we could keep kids out of here,” Leach said.
They plan on continuing the program but are looking for additional funding. They are hoping to help about 60 kids per year.