Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Meeting

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Meeting Recap: June 11, 2025

The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) convened on June 11, 2025, with a full attendance from representatives of various organizations including Parks and Recreation, Buncombe County Youth Justice, Asheville Police Department (APD), Aspire Youth & Family, and several community members. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing programs, confirming leadership roles for the coming year, and addressing key challenges in juvenile crime prevention efforts.

Key Decisions & Leadership Confirmation: The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous session and swiftly moved to confirming committee leadership for the upcoming fiscal year. George Redmond was reconfirmed as JCPC Chair, with Brandon Priester continuing as Vice-Chair. Angie Gardner will lead both the Planning and Data Review & Priority Setting committees, while Banta Whitner volunteered to chair the Monitoring Committee with Sergeant Craig Loveland as a dedicated member. Angel Redmond was confirmed as Allocations Chair, providing crucial support to the JCPC's financial decisions. A significant decision was also made to approve a budget revision for Aspire Youth & Family, allowing them to strategically reallocate funds to enhance communications, staff training and essential equipment.

Discussion Highlights: Program Updates & Emerging Challenges: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from partner organizations. DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) reported on a successful camp trip for 30 youth, highlighting positive engagement with activities like rock climbing and canoeing. They also addressed a recent critical incident involving a youth driving without permission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established policies and procedures while working through corrective actions. The JCPC also received an update on the Asheville Police Department’s (APD) collaboration with community programs at the NC Safe event, which was deemed a success due to positive youth engagement. Discussions centered on how best to engage schools and law enforcement, particularly during the summer months when referrals from schools typically decrease. The council also acknowledged the impact of new labor laws on program costs and community support, a factor that will require ongoing attention. A promising initiative focused on providing parents with online safety tools and knowledge was also highlighted, demonstrating a proactive approach to preventing digital risks for young people.

Community Input & Recognition: While there were no formal public comments, a lively discussion emerged regarding how to best integrate schools and law enforcement (School Resource Officers - SROs) into community prevention efforts. The council recognized Deja Cheney, a JCPC member who received a fellowship through UNCA, acknowledging her continued dedication to the council's work.

Action Items & Next Steps: Moving Forward Together: Several key action items were identified to ensure the JCPC continues its impactful work. Hannah will send out calendar invites for upcoming meetings, and George and Hannah will follow up on a poll to determine availability for the August meeting. JCPC members were tasked with sharing information about community events and programs, facilitating wider dissemination of valuable resources. A crucial task assigned to members is tracking graduation rates from their respective programs, providing data-driven insights for future strategies. Finally, the council will explore opportunities to combine open houses for JCPC programs with SRO and school system events, fostering stronger partnerships. The Truancy Mediation Training opportunity will also be explored as a potential resource for program participants and staff.

Why This Matters to Residents: The JCPC's work directly impacts the safety and well-being of young people in our community. By focusing on collaboration, data-driven decision making, and proactive program development, the council is striving to prevent juvenile crime and provide opportunities for at-risk youth. The decisions made during this meeting, from budget revisions to leadership confirmations, will shape the council's ability to effectively address these challenges and create a safer future for all. Residents can expect updates on graduation rates, program effectiveness, and collaborative initiatives in upcoming meetings.