The current LOS guidelines (adopted in 2015) were developed based on research, best practices, and consensus among a wide range of stakeholders. The current LOS policy led to decreases in the direct care population, aggressive incidents at Bon Air, use of force incidents at Bon Air, workers' compensation claims, and rearrest rates. The current policy also led to an increase in community-based programs. All of these outcomes benefit our youth, their families, and our community. 

The new proposed LOS guidelines will serve to detriment kids, their bonds to their families, and their rehabilitation. My concern is that the proposed policy will threaten funding for community-based services, which are evidence-based and effective. I urge the board to pursue a study of the proposed policy on recidivism, as well as budgetary impacts, before considering adopting the proposed LOS guidelines.