Letters to the Editor: Cauwels - Do better for our teens

Approximately half of the kids who end up in our County Juvenile Detention Center are prescribed medication for their mental health. All too often their medications can’t come with them and it takes a week or better to get the orders through the system. Quitting cold turkey is NOT recommended for most depression or anxiety medications and the same is true for other mental health care treatments. We must do better. 

What’s even worse is what happens to some of our kids in crisis who haven’t committed a crime. Due to lack of resources and available bed space, Minnehaha County has been locking kids up in jail cells when they need urgent help. Teenagers already are struggling to find their identity and their worth. If a child is feeling worthless and possibly having thoughts of suicide, the last thing we should be doing is confirming the idea that they are bad, wrong or trouble by locking them up in isolation.

Teenagers who believe they are bad can turn into young adults who behave poorly. This in turn lowers the quality of life and feeling of safety for all of us. Youth mental health and children with behavior concerns is a topic that needs more attention. We need leaders that are prepared to tackle these tough issues and work towards solutions that make Minnehaha County the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

Nichole Cauwels

Brandon