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Prosecutor announces new program for juveniles

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Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the new Juvenile Second Chance Program during a press conference July 1 at Wheeler-Dowe Boys and Girls Club. Mears was joined by Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis CEO and executive Maggie A. Lewis and Erik Davenport, director of the organizationā€™s Pivot program.

The Juvenile Second Chance Program gives children and teenagers who have committed low-level, non-violent offenses an opportunity to avert the criminal justice system. It attempts to keep children out of trouble by offering them a chance to correct their behavior by providing supervised activities, mentors and role models.

ā€œWhen you give younger people the opportunity of hope, they do not commit crimes,ā€ Mears said.

In partnership with Boys and Girls Club, the Marion County prosecutor’s office will refer eligible children and teens to the organization and pay for a one-year membership at the club. The children can choose to attend one of the locations throughout the city.

ā€œI really feel like magic happens here,ā€ Lewis said.

The Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis was founded in 1893 and year-round programming. Summer session is currently underway at Wheeler-Dowe as well as other locations throughout the city. The Juvenile Second Chance Program begins immediately, and Mears said the goal is to have ā€œhundreds if not thousandsā€ of youth within the program by next year.

The new program is for first-time offenders. The prosecutorā€™s office will refer first-time offenders to the organization. Examples of offenses that warrant a referral include theft, drug possession and other misdemeanors. However, if a weapon is involved with the crime, youth are not eligible for the program.

ā€œUltimately, I would rather spend money to provide this opportunity than prosecuting children for making mistakes,ā€ Mears said in a press release. ā€œWe know that once children are introduced into the criminal justice system, it typically sets up a cycle of challenges and expectations that can impact their entire life. Instead, we want to help change behavior and give them opportunities to make better choices, which is a benefit for the entire community.ā€

Contact staff writer Abriana Herron at (317) 924-5143. Follow her on Twitter @abri_onyai.

Boys and Girls Club locations:

Finish Line ā€“ 3870 N. Post Road

Keenan-Stahl ā€“1949 E Troy Ave.

Legore ā€“ 5228 West Minnesota St.

Lilly ā€“ 801 South State Ave.

Wheeler-Dowe ā€“ 2310 East 30th St.

School Site Club Locations:

Global Preparatory Academy ā€“ 2033 Sugar Grove Ave.

Jonathan Jennings ā€“ 6150 Gateway Drive

Liberty Park ā€“ 8425 East Raymond St.

Pleasant Run ā€“ 1800 N. Franklin Road

Raymond Park ā€“ 8575 E Raymond St.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, visit bgcindy.org.

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