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Press Release
For Immediate Release:
Contacts:
March 26, 2001
Sharon Lauchaire
609-292-2288
Carolyn Timmons
732-246-5562

JJC AWARDS MIDDLESEX COUNTY $573,773 GRANT
- County to Offer New Program for Juveniles -

NEW BRUNSWICK - The Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) today announced that Middlesex County will receive a $573,773 grant to establish a "Day Reporting Program" for adolescent juvenile offenders who would otherwise have been placed in the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission due to a lack of judicial disposition options.

"The Juvenile Justice Commission is committed to working with New Jersey's counties to provide services for at-risk juveniles. Our philosophy is that local communities have a unique understanding of their youth populations and that is why the JJC has developed several initiatives to encourage a continuum of county and community-based services and sanctions," stated Bruce D. Stout, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "Middlesex County's new program will give courts an additional option that will allow Middlesex County youth to be placed in a program designed to turn their lives around before it is too late."

The JJC's newly established Division of Local Programs and Services provides funding for the Middlesex County program through the State Incentive Program (SIP). The SIP works with counties to develop and fund specific programs targeted at their individual community needs. Annually, the State Incentive Program administers $5.4 million in local funding. This year, the Juvenile Justice Commission will award more than $20 million through various sources of funding to implement a continuum of community-based services and sanctions for at risk and court involved youth.

"There is a growing need throughout the State of New Jersey for placement options for juveniles identified as strong candidates for improvement and rehabilitation who do not require incarceration," said Stout.

While Middlesex County's grant has been approved by the JJC, the majority of the grant funds must be appropriated by the State legislature for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Middlesex County Freeholder Jane Brady, the Board's liaison to the County's Council for Children's Services describes the County's Day Reporting Program as an alternative to a traditional "jail" in offering juveniles the tools they need to change their behavior while still keeping close control over kids who are in serious trouble.

According to Tom Seilheimer, Department Head of County Human Services, the program was designed in conjunction with County Court personnel and County youth services providers who agreed that Family Court judges need additional sentencing options for youth.

The Day Reporting Program is designed for youth between the ages of 14-18 who are multiple offenders with at least one 3rd degree adjudication and a violation of probation. Juveniles will be transported to the program where they will receive programming under direct supervision five days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Programming will include education, job and vocational training, community service, counseling, life skills, anger management, recreation and cultural enrichment. The program can accommodate 10 juveniles in the day reporting program and 10 additional juveniles who have completed the day reporting aspect of the program and are being followed with aftercare services.

The Day Reporting Program will serve Middlesex County youth who are deemed appropriate by a screening committee. Sentencing options are presented to the Family Court Judge who decides the final disposition. Program candidates are then ordered into the program by the court and juveniles will begin participating in the program within 48 hours. The program will also include discharge planning to assist youth at completion of the program.

Carolyn Timmons, Division Head for Children's Services indicates that the County will enter into a contract with agencies that qualify under state and county guidelines. All qualified agencies will be required to document their program organization, staff personnel qualifications and ability to provide bilingual services. A written plan with measurable outcomes is also required. The County expects to issue a Request for Proposal in the next few weeks.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com

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