Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Multnomah County Office of Juvenile Services is in a state of abject failure.  That's according to a study from a crime victims group released Wednesday.  Andrew Theen reports.

Ken Chapman wrote the 100-page report for the group Crime Victims United.  The report says kids in Multnomah County often aren't disciplined for drug and alcohol use, and that they enter a system where it's "three strikes and maybe you're out."

Chapman said the system coddles kids too much, instead of acting as a law enforcement division.  He said some juveniles need to spend a night or two in detention, or maybe more.

Ken Chapman: "They just need somebody to listen to and talk to and have somebody just care about them.  We'd all like to think that.  But that is not the case with those who are seriously delinquent.  You need more."

Chapman says that means combining enforcement and treatment.

But Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler disagrees with the basis of the report.  He said the county's system is solid, and even a "model" for other counties.

Ted Wheeler: "It's a partnership between prosecutors, juvenile judges, the department of community justice and youth providers, and it's based on years of experience. And the bottom line is we do hold youth accountable, and we do reduce crime, and we do save the taxpayers money."

Wheeler added that he believes more information is better than less.  He said he wants to hear specific solutions to improve the juvenile justice system.