Former police chiefs advocate for early intervention programs

By Staff Writer

Retired law enforcement officials in Arizona are urging citizens to vote down a proposition that would slash funding for early intervention programs for at-risk youths.

Dennis Donna and John Wintersteen recently spoke at Phoenix Day, the oldest continuously operating child development center in Arizona, to rally support against Proposition 302, which will be on the ballot in next week's midterm elections.

The item, if approved by voters, would reduce dedicated funding for First Things First programs, which aim to help young children avoid destructive behavior before entering school.

A long-term study found that at-risk children who did not participate in early-intervention programs were five times more likely to be chronic criminal offenders by age 27 than kids who did attend. By age 40, the kids who were left out of early intervention programs were seven times more likely to be arrested for drug possession and twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes.

Wilderness therapy programs, like early-intervention centers, are proven to help kids overcome behavioral disorders. A study by the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council found that more than 80 percent of parents and 90 percent of graduates said that their wilderness treatment experience was effective two years after the process.