By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – While St. John the Baptist Parish may not have crime problems to the extent of cities such as New Orleans, the recent incident at East St. John High School demonstrated that the parish’s youth are not immune to the pressures and situations that can lead inner-city children astray.

In an effort to combat these problems, the 40th Judicial District Children and Youth Services Planning Board held a public forum Monday evening at the YMCA building in LaPlace to gather ideas and work on solutions.

The panel consisted of board members — representatives from local agencies that work with the youth of the parish as well as concerned parents — and they listened and responded to concerns and ideas from the few dozen community members in attendance.

“We came together today because our children are at risk,” board member Tyra Mitchell Poree said in her introduction.

The first community member to take the microphone, Gary Bolden, a pastor in Mt. Airy and United Way board member, told the board, “I believe the problem is in the homes.”

Following his comments, however, the microphones remained unmanned until board chair Raphael Neal said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have to stand up and address this issue. … We didn’t come here tonight to sit down and do nothing. We, as a community, have to tell our kids, ‘Enough is enough!’ We want to be able to leave tonight with a goal in mind.”

His words spurred those in attendance to speak their minds as a steady stream of locals took the microphones to make themselves be heard.

Echoing Bolden’s earlier remarks, many pleaded for more parental involvement.

“All we do is find excuses,” said community member Blanche Fernandez. “The bottom line is it begins at home.”

It was a theme reflected in the remarks of many panel members as well.

Many who spoke up thought a lack of prayer in the schools was one of the roots of the problem.

“I have watched the schools go from safe havens to jungles,” said Reah Bernard. “We’ve left the most important ingredient out of our schools.”

Board member Ronnie Smith, a member of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council, said he would use the remaining 15 months of his term to lead the fight to put prayer back in schools, but he added, “When we start this fight, I’m going to need everyone’s support.”

Some of the parents in attendance thought much of the problem lies within the parish’s school system. Too many overaged students and classroom overcrowding were two factors mentioned during the course of the evening.

Also, the lack of options in disciplining children today was cited as a reason for current youth problems.

“The minute you discipline your children, they’re calling OCS,” said Jeanette Evans.

Willie Scott of Rising Star Baptist Church added, “Let the parents be parents.”

Some also cited a lack of things for children in the parish to do when they are not in school.

Board member Anthony Smith of the YMCA told the audience about many programs available through the organization. The YMCA offers an aftercare program from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as basketball programs on the weekends. For teens, there is the Leaders Club as well as a handful of teen centers throughout the River Parishes.

Poree also noted that the LaPlace Kingley House on Airline is open once again and will be offering counseling programs for both parents and children.

“If we work together and work hard, we’re going to leave with something,” she said.

Still, the resounding theme of the evening was involvement.

Said Neal, “If you want to make a difference and get involved, get involved with the Youth Planning Board.”

Rachelle Morris, the only member of the board who is not a part of another organization that aids youth, further encouraged, “We will need the talent of the entire community.”

The next meeting of the Youth Planning Board, the last of 2010, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at the LaPlace public library on U.S. Highway 51. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

For more information on programs offered by the YMCA, call 985-359-2425.