Email   Print   Share By Capt. Evan Williams, Special Assistant United States Attorney

Facebook Digg Delicious June 21, 2012 | News

“With students being released for summer break, law enforcement officials are anticipating an increase in crimes perpetrated by juveniles on Fort Hood,” Capt. Scott Goble, chief of federal litigation at Fort Hood, said.

The types of infractions committed by juveniles vary from underage drinking, drug use, criminal property damage, home break-ins, trespassing, assault and harassment.

“Many people do not know this, but we have a mechanism here at Fort Hood to address misconduct committed by juveniles on the installation. This mechanism is known as the Fort Hood Youth Review Board,” Goble said.

Fort Hood Regulation 210-1 established the policies, responsibilities and procedures for the administrative disposition of misconduct committed by youth on the installation through the Youth Review Board, established pursuant to the authority of the installation commander.

The Youth Review Board imposes administrative action appropriate for the misconduct in the best interests of the youth and the military community. Specifically, the board considers the seriousness of the offense, the youth’s prior conduct and the youth’s rehabilitative potential when making its determination.

The board has an array of administrative actions it may take against a youth. These actions include, but are not limited to: permanent bar from Fort Hood; writing an apology letter to the victim; suspended use of Fort Hood Exchange facilities; counseling; probation; community service; curfew and restitution.

Seven permanently appointed voting members, and their designated alternates, compose the Youth Review Board. They include a chairperson, the garrison command sergeant major, a school liaison officer, a youth administrator, the Family Advocacy Program manager; the Directorate of Emergency Services sergeant major, and the garrison chaplain sergeant major.

Youths who commit first-time misdemeanor offenses receive a warning that future misconduct could result in: a bar from entry on Fort Hood, prosecution by federal authorities, or an appearance before the Youth Review Board.

“Past experience with the Youth Review Board indicates that there is no substitute for effective parenting and discipline within the home,” Goble said.

Understanding the conflict between parental responsibilities and unit mission requirements, Fort Hood has established a network of child and youth services to support readiness and contribute to the quality of life of Fort Hood Families. For more information about these programs, call 287-8029 or visit www.hoodmwr.com/childandyouth.htm.

“When it comes to getting rebellious youth back on track, the Youth Review Board is ready to step in and do its part,” Goble said. “They will begin hearing cases next month in July.”