By Jonetta Rose Barras Examiner Columnist How could a missing, seemingly worthless bracelet lead to the death or wounding of nine young people? That’s the question District residents asked after hearing details of the shooting in Southeast on March 30.
Kenny Barnes, a clinical psychologist whose son was murdered during a robbery, knows the answer. He has argued for years that many District youths suffer from post-traumatic stress. Like the Centers for Disease Control, he has called youth violence a public health problem.
D.C. Councilman David Catania, head of the Committee on Health, hasn’t used the same terms. But in the past five years, the at-large legislator has been the prime force in government pushing for more mental health services in D.C. Public Schools. He is credited with getting full-time or part-time mental health professionals in 56 schools.
“But the utilization and penetration has been appalling,” said Catania. “There is overwhelming evidence the city has a problem. It must be addressed.”
That’s why he appointed last week the law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP as special counsel to his committee to examine best practices for addressing chronic youth and adolescent violence. The lawyers are expected to present a report next month and make proposals that could include juvenile justice reforms, strategies for increased parental accountability, and targeted mental health intervention.
Not one to nibble around the edges, Catania has some radical ideas in mind. Get ready for the controversy.
Developing a diagnostic tool that would be used in public schools won’t get him in trouble. But handling negligent parents could. Catania said he might propose garnishing welfare checks of such parents or guardians, as a county in Arizona does. Criminal charges also could be brought in the most egregious cases.
“There are privileges and benefits that come with being a good citizen,” said Catania. “When they aren’t good citizens those privileges should be taken away.”
Barnes said he would have preferred Catania short-circuited the best practices research, or chose a group other than a law firm. “It’s a public health issue — not a legal issue,” he said. Further, Barnes said bringing criminal charges against irresponsible parents shouldn’t be the standard response. He also worried that cultural differences may not be understood as remedies and penalties are developed.
Still, he said after “fighting for years” to get the city to recognize the correlation; he’s ready to work with Catania.
“We can solve this problem,” Barnes said.
After Nixon Peabody submits its report next month, Catania said he would propose legislation in the fall. The full council could vote by early next year. “I want legislation passed before the one-year anniversary of the South Capitol shooting.
“This would be a long work in progress. We’re not going to have a silver bullet that will make us all better, ” continued Catania. “[But] if we can equip a child with the resources to take care of themselves mentally, then we might create a better society.”
I’d settle for saving a life or three.
Jonetta Rose Barras’s column appears on Monday and mailto:[email protected] “>[email protected]
