City leaders meet with juvenile court to discuss issues around Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Though some people only associate the juvenile court with juvenile crime, city leaders are discussing the impact the juvenile court has on the entire community.
“Public safety is the number one concern in Memphis and Shelby County,” Shelby County Commissioner, Mick Wright said. “And a lot of that comes here and starts here.”
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On Tuesday, Wright was one of the city leaders who met with Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon and others from the juvenile court to figure out ways to help young Memphians.
“We invited them to come have an intimate conversation about the work we do at the court and get a better understanding of what is the child welfare division and the work that fits under that umbrella,” CAO of the juvenile court, Dr. Stephanie Hill said.
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Though everyone in attendance acknowledged that work needed to be done, they understood that they had their work cut out for them.
“We as a community are responsible for the outcomes of our children,” Dr. Hill said. “And that we is not only the court, it’s the community as a whole.”
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. released the following statement to parents on Facebook,
“We currently have 118 children detained at the Youth Justice and Education Center, and we are nearing our capacity. It is disheartening to see such a high number of children in our facility, with the youngest being only 13 years old. Parents, we urge you to know where your children are and who they spend time with while away from you. Your guidance and involvement can make a significant difference in their lives.”
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