Valley Forum: As investigation continues, let’s not lose sight of Hanna Boys Center legacy

‘Over the past 72 years, thousands of lives have been mended.’|

As a long-time supporter of Hanna Boys Center, I was deeply troubled to learn of the arrest of its clinical director on suspicion of child abuse.

The charges are extremely serious, and the outcome of the criminal investigation remains uncertain at the moment. Hanna’s management is cooperating fully with authorities and has reached out to the families of all current students and alumni, urging them to step forward with any information they may have. So far, three alleged victims have been identified, but investigators are concerned there may be others, given the 14-year tenure of the accused as a counselor.

These accusations have deeply shaken the Hanna community. Hanna’s healing mission is built on a foundation of redemption, hope and trust. Violating the central code of honor and respect between residents and staff goes against everything Hanna stands for.

I’ve been involved with Hanna for many years, and personally know that their leadership is committed to transparency and making certain their boys are never put at risk. Since the arrest, they have announced plans to improve training for all staff and the boys in care. In addition to state-mandated criminal background checks - which have always been required - they will ensure everyone undergoes enhanced training on spotting and preventing predatory behavior, with the goal of making sure nothing like this ever occurs again.

Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, it’s vitally important that supporters - of which there are many - not lose sight of Hanna’s long, proven history of success. This is an organization like no other, a nationally recognized treatment center and high school that has been helping troubled boys turn their lives around for generations.

One need only listen to the testimony of some of those boys – now grown men – to understand the vitally important role Hanna plays in transitioning troubled youth into happy, productive members of society. Hanna accepts boys from all walks of life and all backgrounds and gives them the confidence they need to believe in themselves and be successful. Over the past 72 years, thousands of lives have been mended.

Hanna Boys Center is also something of a community institution in Sonoma County, known for its good deeds and deep community involvement. Hanna strongly supports local businesses, provides outstanding employment opportunities and routinely shares its state-of-the-art facilities with other organizations.

With this legacy in mind, it’s essential for the media to maintain perspective on the current investigation and take great care not to misstate the facts. Linking unrelated issues and failing to correct errors makes a difficult situation worse for those of us who still care deeply about Hanna and its future.

Given the importance of its mission and its commitment to changing and growing from these experiences, Hanna Boys Center’s reputation should not be diminished by the actions of a single employee. I’m proud of Hanna, and of all that it brings to Sonoma County.

James R. Lynch is a former Hanna Boys Center Trustee and current member Hanna Board of Regents.

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