If we want to put an end juvenile crime, then we must be prepared to invest in children

THE problem of juvenile crime is escalating because of our failure to tackle many areas relating to the welfare of children. The public demand that this problem be dealt with.

Society must be protected and individuals going about their daily lives have the right to demand such protection, whether from juveniles or adults.

I am concerned, however, that because this problem has escalated we will forget about the need to cherish children and concentrate solely on the protection of society. Both aims must be given equal prominence. In an ideal world the emphasis would be on child welfare, but that has not been the case in recent years and we are now paying the price. That price is extremely high in terms of the difficult circumstances into which many children are born.