| Longview Farm is revising its procedures and will determine more quickly whether or not a youth is a good fit for its programs, Joan Wallace-Benjamin, president of the New England Home for Little Wanderers, told selectmen July 27.
Four of five youths arrested after a disturbance at the Farm July 19 are not being allowed to continue in the program, Wallace-Benjamin said. Problems with them were not new: "We know now that we should have acted sooner." The Home, parent of Longview, will be talking with the state about new enrollment guidelines, she indicated in her presentation.
Last month, Police Chief Richard Stillman told the board that the serious troubles at Longview began three years ago after the Home agreed not to turn away youths referred to it by the state. Neighbors have made the same point repeatedly.
At a meeting with two selectmen and the police and fire chiefs July 22, the Home made several commitments, including an outside review of its procedures. Chief Stillman told selectmen that based on that meeting, he believes the Home is heading in the right direction.
The Home agreed to return to the board within six months for a follow-up. In response to a question by Selectman Michael Berry, Wallace-Benjamin said she would consider hiring outside security if the situation hasn't been resolved by then.
Concern by neighbors and town officials about safety has been heightened by the Home's plan to double enrollment at the Farm from 40 to 80 through the addition of younger boys and girls. At the July 27 meeting, Selectman Cliff Snuffer repeated his concern about bringing in young girls to what is now a school for teenage boys.
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