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25. • <br /> Additional Recommendations <br /> Education is at the heart of the debate over the merits of recreational <br /> programming. Leading experts in the field of recreational programming suggest <br /> that public officials must be educated about the developmental needs of <br /> children and adolescents to enable them to understand the benefits of a <br /> comprehensive, seamless approach to the whole child. Treanor (1988) also <br /> noted that administrators of federal programs need to focus on long-term <br /> objectives, rather than objectives that simply respond to the short-term crisis of <br /> the day. <br /> Smith (1991) further noted that public officials must be shown that <br /> recreational programming is a good investment and that recreational services <br /> can prevent other expenditures in the management and control of negative <br /> behaviors. While Smith acknowledged that the reality of financial cut-backs at <br /> the local level might require fee-based services, the author also pointed out that <br /> local governments must subsidize those who are economically disadvantaged <br /> to ensure access to services. Smith recommended the implementation of <br /> collaborative efforts between federal, state and local entities and suggested that <br /> • <br /> county and state governments be encouraged to locate recreational facilities in <br /> the proximity of other programs and service deliverers. <br /> • <br />