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For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2007
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Liberty, MO –Governor Matt Blunt and his Cabinet members today celebrated Liberty, Missouri as Missouri’s Capital for a Day. The visit marks the second city the governor has declared Capital for a Day to make state government more accessible to the public.
“Capital for a Day is an opportunity for citizens to have a one on one opportunity to talk with the governor and to members of his cabinet. It is a great venue for us to listen, discuss issues and ask questions,” Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Deborah Scott said. “It also gives the departments a wonderful setting to interact with Missourians and hear their needs, concerns and questions, which help us improve our services.”
As a part of the day’s events, Governor Blunt visited the Northwest Regional Youth Center (NWRYC). This Division of Youth Services (DYS) facility is a 30-bed facility for young men under treatment for juvenile infractions. The program is designed for youth who need a secure, structured environment. While in the program, youth attend school and receive a variety of treatment services that help them overcome challenges and become law-abiding and productive members of communities.
“We are very proud of our youth services program which has received national attention for helping young people change their lives and become productive citizens,” Governor Blunt said.
The NWRYC has received national and international attention recently. The facility was visited by a contingency from the New Mexico Youth Services Department in July. New Mexico is one of many states that visited Missouri to learn more about the successful program DYS operates in order to implement aspects of the Missouri-model. NWRYC was also highlighted by a group working on a documentary on behalf of Bill Cosby. Jason Beaubien, a National Public Radio (NPR) reporter from Kansas City recently produced a national story comparing the Missouri approach to juvenile justice with Texas, demonstrating that Missouri’s approach stands as a model for others. And, the BBC recently visited the facility and is working on a feature piece to highlight the successes of the program. NWRYC has received excellent reviews from all of its visitors. Much of that is because of the youth’s involvement and willingness to share their stories and respond to visitor’s questions.
“The Division of Youth Services has become a national model, and we are very pleased to be able to assist other states in their reform efforts. Today was a great opportunity for the governor to see first hand what his support means for our youth in treatment. It was also very exciting for these young people to have the opportunity to meet and talk with Gov. Blunt,” Scott said.
The governor and his cabinet held the first Capital for a Day in Sedalia in October.
