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# Create a helpful environment
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/create-a-helpful-environment-editor/
- Published: 2007-02-02T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T23:59:22.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Mark Lewis President, Los Angeles County Education Association*

On Friday, Jan. 26, a teacher was brutally beaten at the Challenger Memorial Youth Center, a probation facility in Lancaster. This is just the latest event to rock a system that is in free-fall. Young offenders, teachers and probation staff have become targets in this extremely dangerous and unstable environment.

In order to achieve any measure of success with incarcerated youth, consistent structure, sound education, along with firm, fair and consistent consequences must be in place. Rehabilitation can only occur in an environment that is safe and secure for young offenders and those that work with them.

The teachers and probation staff who provide direct service are committed to the education and welfare of incarcerated youth. The failure lies with our elected and appointed, county, state and federal officials who have been complacent, willing to accept mediocrity and only act when the system is in crisis.

Most of the young offender population can become productive and contributing members of our community. They sorely need the education and positive guidance that can only be delivered in a safe and secure environment adequately staffed by trained professionals. We fail them and ourselves if safety and security continue to be neglected.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 2, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020207.pdf?ref=smdp.com)