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Juvenile judge urges community programs, ‘wall of success’ to reduce youth arrests
Summary
Superior Court Judge Ruben Villalobos told the Modesto Community Police Review Board that reducing youth arrests requires more community time, affirming programs and wraparound services; several public commenters and board members pressed for expanded local youth activities and job pathways.
Superior Court Judge Ruben Villalobos told the Modesto Community Police Review Board on Feb. 19 that reducing juvenile arrests requires community-based supports, time and positive reinforcement rather than heavier court involvement.
Villalobos, who said he has served on the bench for about 10 years and has presided extensively in juvenile court, described courtroom practices he uses to encourage youth: a bulletin he calls “Judge V’s wall of success,” stickers for short-term achievements and what he termed a “compliment sandwich” that opens and closes hearings with praise while putting difficult issues in the middle. "Every single night that they spend in our juvenile hall is a failing," Villalobos said.
The judge framed his remarks around prevention and rehabilitation, telling the board that many…
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