Young felons lack respect and direction Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com THEY are the topic du jozr for many politi- cians. The mere thought of them has seniors shivering in their soft-soled shoes. They are Young Offenders, and Robert Weber deals with them every day. The North Vancouver resi- dent is a corrections officer at Burnaby Youth Secure Custody Centre (previously Willingdon Youth Detention Centre). And although speaking our could cost the 45-vear-old his job, he’s frustrated and he wants the public to know why. “My frustrations are not with the kids bur with the sys- tem, said. “There is a total breakdown by these kids and ms to just ignore the situation and hope it goes away.” But it won't go away, he says. Not until things change. “Our children are raised in violence. Hollywood can't pro- duce enough of it.” He said violence against women and children goc unnoticed and added he thinks government legislation has stripped parents and schools of the tools used to discipline young pcopie. He points to the death of Reena Virk, the Victoria girl who is believed to have died at the hands of her peers. “People shouldn’r — be shocked by it. Violence is so accepted. Do you think those kids thought they’d ever be charged?” And if convicted, said Weber, their punishment won't be adequate. “These kids are starving for direction. But we just turn our backs and allow it. “Pm part of the problem. My job is to ensure the kids don’t escape, and that they don’t kill themselves or cach other. It’s a warehouse.” Weber said he sees the same Mees : Sb . AEN eA NEWS photo Terry Peters CORRECTIONS officer Robert Weber doesn't believe young people today are given faces over and over again at the centre. “There is no mandate to improve them. Only to incar- cerate them. There are no counselling = programs — to addr "re in for.” He said the residents attend school where they can work at their own pace. vy can Use the gym, pool, weight room, exercise room and lounges where they can watch TV, movies and play video games. There are ne restrictions on. invites vou to bring your shoebux full of photographs and preserve your photos in acid- free, lignin-free buffered paper photograph ‘albums 4-week classes available © pre-register now SPD EMT IS 985-917}, Daily Schedule flights to the Gulf islands from Vancouver Airport “At our place we hav or eight’ murderers. watch movies almost” every night, sometimes — violent movies. The other night [sat with them through this movie, there must have been a hun- people shot in it. Phat is totally inapprepri- ate.” There are doctors, nurses, social workers and probation officers, even a chologist who talks to the kids “But it doesn’s go to the meat and potatoes. The real enough direction and discipline, and aren't held accountable for their actions. problems don’t get addressed. “Ifa kid is here because he’s assaultive, he ¢: on with his assaultive ways once he’s in here.” Weber stands 671" and weighs 220 pounds. In the four days before speaking to the News, Weber said he'd broken up three fights. Not all of the staff have his bulk to back them up, and ‘$ Weber, i it makes ; cker, size doesn’t matter.” ‘Tis The Seeson. @ 1685 Marine Drive in West Vancouver 925-2110 Semi Annual b Sale J 25% off Designer Frames Sunglasses, and Contact lens ngs as Optical Dispensary Lid. Wednesday, December 3, 1997 — North Shore News — 5 8 Guard blasts youth justice system Staff members are often otf work and oon Workers Compensation benetits because they've been injured in a fight. He said it’s cas to get angry with the kids, and sometime has to catch-hincit. «kids can always com plain af uhey think he’s being too hard on them. “They have more power than we do. And they know it.” So why doesn’t he quit? “Its a decent paycheque, and benef But he’s tired of it, and he thinks steps should be taken to age the situation. v they're not being held Ic. Society wants to ¢ them but Kids can rape, cal and murder just as vas any adulr.” He thinks youths should be forced to apologize to their vic tims in person. And that their names should be published, “The only ume [v n these kids humble is when I escort them to the hospital. They wear leg irons and hand- cufts, while they sit in the wait- ing room, people stare. It’s the only time ‘they’ re embarrassed. As well, he thinks methods of punishment should — be movies and 1 re counselling. Nintendo and repla il, Replace their [ ness with a strong work ethic and replace their flippant atti- tude with respect.” As a corrections officer he'd like to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem: “Td like to see us return young offenders to society a_ better person.” | CORRECTION NOTICE North Shore Newsroom | fax number was incorrectly printed. The correct fax number is: #904-5624 We apologize for any inconvenience FACTORY FUTON Entrance in rear lane Man. Sat 1)-6pm Sunday 12-S pm FAV ANDABLEONPHEAN Ey Christmas Gift Suggestions STERLING CANDLESTICKS 1637 Lonsdale Ace. 1730 Panne De. North Vancouver West Vancouver Gold Ecrrings} Solid Gold 14 kt Sale*385 Reg $490. Price includes GST ‘-BO’S DESIGNS. 922-3014 #2-2435 Marine Drive, West Vancouver @ Dundarave ‘. 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