Faisao, during the proclamation of February as Parent Leadership Month in the governor’s conference room on Tuesday, said there was also a 23 percent decline in the total number of juvenile detainees from 2009 to 2010.
Underage drinking and possession of marijuana were the top offenses committed by youths detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention Facility based on the records of DCCA in 2010.
Records also showed that there were a total of 124 juveniles admitted to the facility from January through December 2010.
Of that number, 21 were minors consuming liquor while 13 were caught in possession of marijuana.
In 2009, a total of 163 youths were detained at the facility.
About 69 percent of them were apprehended for theft and burglary cases.
Faisao attributes the decrease in the number of juvenile detention cases to DCCA’s parent leadership program and collaboration with other agencies in addressing youth issues.
The program, he said, empowers the youth and makes them law-abiding citizens.
In his remarks prior to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s signing of the proclamation, Faisao noted the importance of the program as it continues to influence positive distinction in the lives of children, families and the community.
The program, he said, led to the creation of the Parent Anonymous Organization, which recognizes the need for positive parental involvement.
“We are embracing a healthier and happier family institution,” Faisao said.
He commended Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, for her “great contributions” during the time she headed DCCA’s parent leadership program.
According to the proclamation, “Parent leadership is successfully achieved when parents receive support and training and share responsibility, expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, oversight and evaluation of policies, practices and programs affecting families and communities.”
