New juvenile center is step in the right direction

Issues surrounding juvenile court cases are difficult. Therefore, a transition that makes the process better is a step in the right direction. The Sept. 8 dedication of the 32nd Judicial Circuit's new juvenile center in Cape Girardeau was such a step.

The change brings the juvenile staff into the same building, whereas previously, they were in two separate facilities. Records, too, will now be maintained under one roof. The new courtroom is larger, so lawyers and clients will be able to meet without compromising confidentiality, something Associate Circuit Judge Scott Lipke praised. Lipke presides over these juvenile cases and understands the benefits the new facility bring.

Speaking to the Southeast Missourian, the judge said, "These cases are very emotional. They can be adversarial. Emotions run very high. In the old Common Pleas Courthouse, you had people sitting five feet from each other that wanted to rip the other's eyes out." If added space helps keep the stress down, we're all for it.

The new facility is the brainchild of Charles Herbst, Cape Girardeau County Second District associate commissioner. He called this "a perfect opportunity to provide safe and sufficient space." That space is 10,000 square feet and is located at 2137 Rust Avenue.

This seems an investment in progress, one made more palatable since, according to Herbst, the cost was kept down because county employees provided much of the labor, and the county received furniture from a federal government surplus.

Attorneys, clients, families, case investigators and "all parties involved in juvenile cases," will be better accommodated by this juvenile center, Lipke said. He added, "It is going to help the system function much better, with hopefully better outcomes."

We support changes that amount to enhanced functionality and improved outcomes at an affordable cost.