jenilouise

I'll post the article and explain my opinions later.

Kids play feet away from Lane County sex offender treatment facility



Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 5:06 PM PDT

By Kim Quintero KVAL News

Video
EUGENE, Ore. - Sex offenders are receiving treatment in an office right next to a Eugene youth program.
The OSU/Lane County Extension Service hosts events for 4-H kids throughout the year. It has been adjacent to the treatment center on West 13th and Adams Street for more than a decade, but some parents are finding out for the first time.
"I was furious. I have never seen a more irresponsible act by a government - ever," said Bill Linn, parent.
For years, Linn brought his kids to the center near the Lane County Fairgrounds for dances, meetings and fairs.
"And never once has it been disclosed that this is a sex offender facility in the same building," said Linn.
It wasn't until Monday afternoon, Linn said, that a child wandered to the door of the treatment facility and was asked by a staff member to leave.
"And the parent was taken aback by the fact that 'what were they talking to my kid for? Can't they just run around in the parking lot at the extension facility?' " said Linn. "And they really can't."
Lane County's Behavioral Health Services Manager Al Levine, who oversees the treatment facility, said Tuesday afternoon that he was not aware children's events were hosted on site and did not know why the facilities were in such close proximity to each other. He also said there's a law enforcement presence and the offenders are always supervised, so they've never had a problem coexisting.
"If I was a parent, which I am, and my kid was going to 4-H activities, I'd be asking 4-H what kind of supervision they're providing," said Levine.
OSU Extension Service Staff Chair Steve Dodrill said Tuesday afternoon that parents never asked about the location, so it was never brought up. He added he's confident that children are safe at all of their activities.
"We have people here who are supervising any type of 4-H event that goes on," said Dodrill.
"I just think that we've put the facility in the wrong place, and I would rather tell you now, than have to tell you later that some child was abused or that someone fell off the wagon and was there," said Linn.
Levine expects the treatment facility to be moved into a renovated space on Charnelton in downtown Eugene in about a year.

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Fallon

I would not allow my child to attend anything there after finding out there was a treatment center in the same building...there is just to much risk involved for me

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SAH mommy to Debralyn 10-21-02 and Bubba (Logan) 3-19-07
Madeline 07-10-09

RaisingHavoc

How is that even possible? We moved from a neighborhood that had 3 sex offenders within walking distance. Two of them were against kids. I'd have a meltdown and pickette(?) infront of the facility. You NEVER put sex offenders and kids in the same area. Would you put a bar on either side of the AA office? Oregan law....The Department of Correction decides where and how close a sex offender can live to a school or daycare center based on a decision matrix. The majority of the other 50 state say the two can not be more then 1000 to 2000 feet together.

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Married since '05, DD age 6, Havoc nearly 3

We need to realize that we are our children’s first and best teachers. When we are selfish or inconsiderate, when we mistreat our wives or girlfriends, when we cut corners or fail to control our tempers, our children learn from that — and it’s no surprise when we see those behaviors in our schools or on our streets. -Obama

jenilouise

I know that is why I got so livid. My kids don't go to that center and they won't now that I read that but some of the kids we know do go there. If I recall correctly the Arts school my daughter wants to go to is in that same area as well. Plus it's near the fairgrounds- the hub of activity. That aces the fair out this year. There are much better places to put these guys (my own opinion- electric chair but I am biased.) We have way out places away from the general public. This is ridiculous and a horrible tragedy waiting to happen.

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Mark

Now this is the most rediculous comment ever made in the history of mankind. Because the parents never asked they weren't told? This person needs to lose his job. What a moron.

My answer to the original question is Hell No! I would never allow my children to be in a facility that is that close to sex offenders. Whoever thought this was alright really needs to be held responsible for moving the sex offenders elsewhere. And that needs to happen NOW, not in a year like it sounds will happen.

Someone I know found out that there was a sex offender living in their neighborhood and the home was within 800 feet of the nearest school. Michigan law says they cannot be closer than 1,000 feet. When she went to the school district to inform them, they thought it was no big deal. The police also took the issue lightly. It was not until she involved the media that something was done about it and the sex offender was forced to move. It is insane how far people have to go to get justice in this country.

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"Miracles Happen!"

jenilouise

Oh heads need to roll. You shouldn't need to ASK if a sex offender is near an area where your children play.

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BillLinn

Hey Everyone:

Im the parent behind this movement to get this Sex Offender Facility moved! Thanks for all your support. If anyone lives in the EUGENE, oregon area, please contact me at 541 935 1279

Thanks and spread the word!

BL

Fallon

Thanks for chiming in Bill

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SAH mommy to Debralyn 10-21-02 and Bubba (Logan) 3-19-07
Madeline 07-10-09

jenilouise

Bill- I am in the area and will contact you shortly.

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jenilouise

I contacted Bill and he has several ideas on how to fix this. I am going to help any way I can. Keep us in your thoughts guys and I'll keep you posted.

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