Juvenile Justice Commission Appoints New Superintendent
- Epps of Long Branch to lead Fresh Start Residential Community Home -

TRENTON - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's (JJC) Executive Board recently approved the appointment of Diane L. Epps, a resident of Long Branch, NJ, as superintendent of the Fresh Start Residential Community Home located in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

"The Juvenile Justice Commission is pleased to welcome Diane L. Epps as the superintendent of the Fresh Start Residential Community Home," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "During her ten years in the juvenile justice field, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the troubled youth of this state. Ms. Epps has exhibited dedication to youth and professional excellence in every position she has held. In her new capacity as superintendent, Ms. Epps will lead Fresh Start Residential Community Home and its staff to strive to change the futures of troubled youth."

The JJC is the single state agency responsible for providing juvenile correctional rehabilitation and parole services. The JJC cares for New Jersey's high risk and increasingly vulnerable youth. The agency operates six secure care facilities, as well as 22 residential community homes and day treatment facilities. In addition, the JJC is responsible for parole and transitional services for youth when they return home.

The Fresh Start Residential Community Home is located in Allaire State Park on the rear of the grounds of the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center in Monmouth County. Fresh Start is a specialized program serving 28 juveniles with special needs who range in age from 13 to 18. The goal of this program is to provide treatment for youth with special needs and prepare them to return home as successful members of their communities.

Ms. Epps is currently pursuing certification as Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She began her career in juvenile justice in 1994 as Youth Worker at the Fresh Start Program. She has also served as Acting Assistant Superintendent and Acting Superintendent of the JJC's former Florence Crittenton Residential Community Home and as Assistant Superintendent of Fresh Start since 2001.

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