Youth for Tomorrow Hires Off-Duty Police to Guard Entrance

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Following the controversy over Youth For Tomorrow’s Unaccompanied Minor Program, the Bristow facility that houses at-risk youth has posted off-duty police officers at its Linton Hall Road entrance as a precaution.

According to Prince William Police, they are not doing so at the county’s expense.

“YFT is paying for the officers to be there,” said police spokesperson Officer Jonathan Perok. “This is an off-duty detail not paid for by the county or department.”

While Youth for Tomorrow did not immediately return calls for comment on the issue, many speculate YFT is concerned about the strong emotions the controversy is garnering with the public and local politicians.

Tuesday, a resident contacted Bristow Beat soliciting support for promoting demonstrations in front of the facility. [Editor's Note: The editorial staff refused the request.]

Youth for Tomorrow has yet to make a public statement on the issue, but sources say they will soon.

The Unaccompanied Minor Program is just one of the services that Youth for Tomorrow offers for children and young adults on its campus. The organization is a non-profit founded by former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and receives some public funds. The Unaccompanied Minor Program is supported by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

A representative from Prince William County said the county does not fund the UMP program, although it does help fund other services, when YFT provides them for county residents.

Both Chairman At-Large Corey Stewart and Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland made public statements in support of having undocumented children removed from the facility and reunited with their parents in their home countries.

Stewart told NPR Wednesday that he hopes residents will not protest Youth for Tomorrow.

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