By JIM BUTLER

Renaissance Home for Youth is asking voters to approve funding that would close a significant gap in the juvenile justice system in Rapides Parish.

The Police Jury has called an election on the question for May 3 next year.

Renaissance has been a fixture in the parish since the Rev. Dr Glenn Bryant and Judges George M. Foote and Guy E. Humphries Jr. organized it to provide an alternative to adult jail or reform school for juvenile offenders.

It opened under the guidance of Robert Tillie at Vandenberg Drive & Bayou Rapides Road in 1973, was licensed by the state in 1974 and has been a vital part of the juvenile system since, serving more than 15,000 minors.

Also in 1974 voters approved a 2.06-mill, 10-year property tax to fund the facility, a levy renewed four times since.

Over those years a girls facility opened in 1977, shelter care was added in the mid 1980s, an education center debuted early this century and a visitation center opened this year.

In the upcoming referendum, Renaissance wants to replace the current mileage with 3.89 mills for 20 years.

The construction, improvements, maintenance and operating expenses covered would include a new detention center for parish juveniles charged with felonies.

A secure alternative to adult jail for accused felons under age 17, separating them from older offenders, is desirable for obvious reasons, is a missing link in the Rapides system.

Current chairman of the Renaissance board is Harry Ingalls. Angela Chustz is executive director.