New Plans for the Juvenile Justice System

Mayor Bloomberg has proposed that the city take over full responsibility for the juvenile justice system in New York City. According to the City Hall press release , the plan calls for the city to substitute the placement of juveniles in far flung upstate facilities with local placement facilities in New York City. The city paid the state 62 million dollars in fiscal year 2010, an increase over prior years that includes the cost of the state operating nearly empty facilities with a full compliment of staff. At a cost of $220,000 a year per juvenile, Mayor Bloomberg argues “there is a better way to help kids get back on track, while saving taxpayers millions.”

New York City has benefited from recent efforts to address juvenile delinquency through community-based supervision and programs long advocated for by juvenile justice experts and community groups. Fewer juveniles are entering state placement and the city is increasingly using local evidence-based programs to address juvenile delinquency with some success. The recent merger of the city's Department of Juvenile Justice and Administration for Children's Services is part of the a larger effort to improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system.

Ironically, the city is suing the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and its crusading Commissioner, Gladys Carrión, who has earned the ire of unions and many upstate law makers for her push to close near empty state juvenile detention facilities that rely on New York City kids to populate them. Opponents argue that removing juveniles from state detention facilities will have a devastating impact on the local communities where these facilities are located. The city's position is that local detention and treatment programs cost an average of $17,000 per child annually, far less than the current system, and have better outcomes; the recidivism rate for state run facilities is 81% for males. The Mayor is also proposing that some of the state's savings from the closure be re-directed to support local efforts to address juvenile delinquency.

Read the Daily News article on the Mayor's plan here.

Spread the Word: Cash For Guns

The Harlem Community Justice Center’s Juvenile Gang Task Force is working to help spread the word about an upcoming Gun Buy-Back program. The NYPD, National Action Network and local clergy leaders will accept operable handguns, shotguns and rifles, at two locations this Saturday, December 18, 2010, from 10-4 pm, in exchange for a cash reward. We are asking our community partners to please help spread the word. Gun violence is the leading cause of death and injury of young males in our community. The Buy Back program is one of several community efforts underway to help reduce violence in our community. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

If you are interested in learning more about other efforts to address violence in Upper Manhattan please contact Susanna Osorno-Crandell at: 212-360-8740 / SOSORNO@courts.state.ny.us.

Webinar on the Impact of Trauma on Women and Girls Across the Lifespan:

Exposure to trauma is a pervasive issue that has significantly impacted the health and well-being of millions of Americans. On Tuesday, December, 14, 2010 at 2:00pm, a free webinar will explore the effects of trauma on girls. Dr. Valerie J. Edwards, a research psychologist in the Emerging Investigations Branch at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study.

To link to the registration page click here.

NYC Probation Developing Community-Based Approach

Local community members and organizations can play a critical role in helping to rehabilitate offenders. However, too often criminal justice agencies fail to work collaboratively with local communities. According to an article in the NY Daily News Probation Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi is taking a step in this direction.

Commencing in the Spring of 2011, the 27,000 people on probation will begin reporting to local “Opportunity Hubs,” instead of central courthouses in each Borough. Probationers will give back to their community through local community service projects. The Hubs will also increase the ability of Probation staff to work with local community organizations, faith groups, and volunteers to address the needs of probationers. According to the Probation Department, the plan includes greater use of restorative justice to promote an offender’s personal responsibility to their victim and community. Probation is working with researchers and in close consultation with local communities to develop the Hubs model.