http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/opinion/28sun2.html?n=Top/Opinion/Editorials%20and%20Op-Ed/Editorials&_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

The state of Missouri have found success in dealing with its juvenile criminal offenders. Now other states are looking at the Missouri model as a standard to base their juvenile treatment program. The author states "Missouri was working against its own nature when it embarked on this project about 25 years ago". To me that is saying quite a bit. States that employ this model are not going to achieve overnight success. That over time, they will start reaping the positive results of creating this type juvenile rehabilitation program. I feel there are three very important reasons why Missouri is so successful. First, they favor the small community based centers instead of mass kiddie prisons. Second, they keep the treatment close to the offender's home so the parents are involved in their treatment. And third, the case manager job does not end with the offenders release. The results have proven out and only about 10 percent are recommitted to the juvenile court system. To me this program show a positive commitment to solving a problem before it became a more serious issue. It is more effective to rehabitate a juvenile offender before they lead a life of adult crime.