Ankle Monitor Funds Cut for Delinquents

House arrest for minors could be a thing of the past in Mississippi as budget cuts loom.
News 25’s Kendra Turley breaks down what that means for at-risk children on the Coast.
Ankle monitors are one of the many resources used by the Harrison County Youth Court to help combat juvenile delinquency. Judge Margaret Alfonso said, “It’s a form of serious consequence while at the same time protecting the community because their whereabouts are known at all times and it keeps the child in school and at home.”
According to the director of youth services for the state, the latest round of budget cuts puts an end to funding for ankle monitors. Judge Alfonso could not provide a specific price on the device, but says the alternatives are much more costly.
Gulfport Police Chief Leonard Papania says in many cases when a minor commits that first offense the resources and programs provided by the youth court help deter future crimes. “But if these kids are not held to consequences through our youth court, we watch where they develop and become adult offenders.”
There’s still no word on how soon the department will cut funding for the device, but both court and law officials say this is just another step backwards in the fight for a better future for our youth. Chief Papania said, “There’s got to be other options. Our kids are very important. To see that we keep them on the road to a good life is very important.”