Do you know how many Juveniles are committed to Youth Development Centers

On any given day in North Carolina, you can find up to 438  juveniles committed to a Youth Development Center (average stay one year),  or in a Detention Center in NC, (https://files.nc.gov/ncdps/documents/files/JJAnnualReport17_FINALspread.pdf).  In addition, there were 25,148 admissions to community programs during the fiscal year 2014-15 (NCDPS 2016). 100% of girls and 67% of boys have histories of exposure to an average of 6 different traumatic events. Of these, 99.5% are experiencing associated mental health problems. Over half meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

We know that environment and contact with nature assists with self-control and positive state of mind. Incorporating gardens to these settings will offer additional opportunities for recovery and success– This is a project that will really make a positive difference to individuals and to communities.

Find out more  click link below – https://www.ncdps.gov/blog/2018/01/08/sensory-gardens-promote-healing-juvenile-facilities

Photo Credit: Chelsea London Phillips