Comments on: Hines Council concerned about break-ins

By: Barbara Pearson

Barbara Pearson — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:22:23 +0000

Thank you for your response, Terri. I was concerned because the article’s tone seemed to be “we can’t do anything about it, sorry” to the merchants and population. I am glad that the Hines Market was compensated for the damage. I have known Gary and Jill for a long time and would have felt very bad if they were responsible for repairing their store. I know someone needs to step in to provide skills for these kids but there also needed to be a process to ensure their safety and the public’s.

By: my two cents

my two cents — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:28:33 +0000

Also, Barbara unfortunately there are way too many children all across this country that usually from no fault of there own truly are on the streets ect… Your comment about “feral Children” makes you come off ignorant. If you want to be taken seriously try conveying your message in a educated manner.

By: My two cents

My two cents — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:37:21 +0000

Question.
1. I’s it saying the boy was on “one on one” Tracking, left and they where notified by dispatch that he was gone? If
that is what it’s saying staff needs fired.
2. Staff staying up all night response i will not put children at risk of abuse. the 4yrs i worked at Kirkland there
was no issues of abuse. Has there been reports of abuse since?

Saves the State money? Back in 2000 a child with minimal issues was priced at 2400.00 a month the more the issues
the more the $$$$. That’s how it works. A Foster Parent does not get that even with high level issues/needs,
not even close. Don’t no what OYA is but lets be clear “Kids” are Money they would not be in business if it wasn’t.

Kids where prevented from leaving when Kirkland was Kirkland, rules and policies change new owners ect… End of the day in my opinion it’s not the kids more the staff. You have good staff you have bad staff, you have staff that cares about the kids you have staff who are there for the pay chk no more no less, its always been that way. And you have staff who do what they want “rule” wise. Training, Training, this is key, if you have week staff kids will
do what they want, strong staff you have compliance, it’s always been that way. I have never been a fan of Craig, or Donna but her old school techniques polices worked. I was told once by a head supervisor the kids are different now old school doesn’t work, i replied ya they do it’s just staffs job to find the right one to work. Don’t put it all on the kids, look a little higher up the chain. Opinions very, just mine.

By: Terri Presley

Terri Presley — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:50:02 +0000

Barbra you need to be aware of the full facts. the merchants did not foot the bill for the damages. EOA’s insurance covered the cost of the damage done to the business. These are NOT unsupervised feral children, I worked at this facility when it was Kirkland and people need to realize there are laws governing the supervision of these youth. There are certain things you can and cannot do. These are not children like our own where we can turn the over our knees and give them a good whoopin when they misbehave. These are kids that have had a horrible life most of the time. Abused, neglected, diturbed children who need help and guidance. This facility does its best to give these kids a safe place to live while teaching them correct behaviors and social skills. But unfotuantily there are incidents that are disruptive. Someone has to take on the responsiblity of caring for these lost kids, and I for one applaud Criag L. and the staff that works with these kids. It is not an easy job in any sense of the word. And rather than bashing what they are trying to accomplish at EOA they need the support of the community for the sake of the kids and for keeping jobs in Harney County.

By: Cautious Reader

Cautious Reader — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 02:59:27 +0000

It sounds like there are some concerns from the community about EOA, validly. However this seems to be a very negative article. It would be nice have a balanced view of what is going on there and to hear of any ways in which they have contributed to the community in a positive manner. I’m sure they have success stories as well as struggles just as we have in the greater community. Perhaps, we as a community, should be coming together to help support EOA to ensure safety and their success rather than just criticize and judge. Outsiders have a stereotype that rural folks are close minded and ignorant and perhaps this is an opportunity to show them differently.

By: Barbara Pearson

Barbara Pearson — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:10:06 +0000

Re: EOA client. Someone needs to be responsible for the juveniles under care. What is the understanding between EOA and the placing agency or parents? Merchants and their insurance companies should not have to foot the bill for damage due to unsupervised feral children.

There can be a quick fix to this: Pull EOA’s ability to have halfway houses within Harney County.