Oct. 10, 2002 – Parents concerned about children with behavior problems are invited to hear more about a new drive to curb juvenile delinquency that involves baseball, on Saturday morning at Chase Auditorium on the University of the Virgin Islands campus.
A program called St. Thomas Baseball Explorers will be introduced. Social workers, prosecutors and attorneys from the territorial Public Defender's Office are expected to be on hand to explain what parents and their youngsters can expect if misbehavior or experimentation with drugs leads to a brush with the law. Attendees also will have the chance to view a series of videos on the subject of juvenile delinquency.
"This provides an excellent opportunity for parents to ask the most important questions and really understand what will confront their children if they become involved in any level of crime," attorney Fred Vialet Jr. said. Vialet chairs the board of the Beyond Visions Foundation, the organizer of the Saturday forum.
According to Michael Bute, president of Baseball Explorers, the organization's program utilizes sports as an outlet and an incentive for youngsters who need encouragement to improve their grades and their discipline. "The St. Thomas Baseball Explorers Inc. focuses on the development of baseball skills as a tool to improve the physical and academic skill of youth, especially for those who may be potentially high-risk for unacceptable behavior," Bute said.
The presentation is from 9 a.m. to noon. It is being made possible by a grant from the Law Enforcement Planning Commission.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
