Visiting a juvenile justice facility brings both sadness and hope. Sadness because here are boys and girls between the ages of 12 to 17 who are in lockup. They are there because of some offense committed against society. Looking into the eyes of these juvenile offenders, one sees vulnerability more than hardness.

In a boy's rehabilitative classroom session at a typical facility, the teacher wears the uniform of a juvenile detention officer, for that is what he is, but he has also been trained to impart vital life skill lessons to these youngsters-lessons that can help them see themselves in a new and improved light; or that can help them deal with anger and depression; or kindle in them, perhaps for the first time, a sense of compassion and empathy for those they have offended. The officer/teacher understands enough of the complexities of their life situations to know that their crimes may be the reaction to the insufficient attention, caring and guidance that young people so desperately need during their growing-up years. In effect, this juvenile detention officer has become, for the tenure of the incarcerated youths' stay with him, their surrogate father.

Judging from the way many of these kids respond to their teacher-trainers, it's as if they are coming out of the desert, thirsty for water and sustenance. It almost seems as if the life skills information they are hearing, they are hearing for the first time. It seems, too, that the attention and caring they are getting, they are also getting for the first time. The simple act of a mature adult listening to them, and responding to them, is a new experience for many. One wonders who the real father is? What did he fail to give his girl or boy? Was he absent, or invisible, from his son or daughter?

One of the most dangerous epidemics in our country today is the absence of fathers in their children's lives. Tonight, nearly 40 percent of America's children will go to sleep in houses where their fathers do not live. Violent youngsters are 11 times more likely not to have fathers in their homes. America's violent criminals are overwhelmingly males who grew up without both parents: 60 percent of rapists, 72 percent of adolescent murderers, and 70 percent of youths in juvenile justice facilities.

For those of you who are fathers, you are hopefully fulfilling your role as the perfect role model for your child. We have dedicated our lives to providing at-risk youth in alternative classes and juvenile detention facilities nationwide, the life skills training they missed getting at home, too often due to an absent, derelict or abusive father. On this Father's Day, to those of you who are doing your job, thank you. To those who have missed the mark, we urge you to get the help you need. To those who have some spare time to fill the father gap, become a mentor. You can truly make a difference in a child's life.


Edmund F. and Susan Benson, Co-Founders
ARISE Foundation, Miami

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