Phillies Hold Unique Clinic for Youth from the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission

CAMDEN - More than 100 youth from the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) today attended a unique baseball clinic held by the Philadelphia Phillies. The event allowed youth from various residential community homes and day programs operated by the JJC, as well as community-based programs for juveniles in the Camden area, to participate in workshops led by Phillies players and alumni including Pitcher Amaury Telemaco, and Milt Thompson and Dickie Noles. The juveniles were also given the opportunity to participate in a baseball demonstration. The event was made possible by a partnership between the JJC and the State Parole Board with the goal of helping youth develop self-confidence and explore their abilities.

"I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies and the individual players who generously donated their time and talent to today's event. Events such as this help our youth develop self-confidence and explore their abilities," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission strives to open new doors for youth through non-traditional educational opportunities in addition to their standard core curriculum. By exposing our youth to sports, theater, the arts, and various vocational opportunities, we hope to spark interest in young lives. If a juvenile can find a passion in baseball, we may be able to change his life forever."

The JJC is the State agency responsible for providing juvenile rehabilitation and parole services. The JJC serves to coordinate services and policies affecting delinquent youth throughout the State.

"The Phillies are happy to be a part of this event," said Gene Dias, Phillies Director of Community Relations. "We recognize the impact that professional athletes can have on young people. Our hope is that through baseball, we are able to provide a positive influence for these kids."

"Thanks to the leadership of Judge John D'Amico, Chairman, New Jersey State Parole Board and Howard Beyer, Executive Director, Juvenile Justice Commission, this partnership enables the collaborative efforts of both agencies and the Philadelphia Phillies to do something positive for the youth that we serve," said Efrain Feliciano, Legislative and Community Outreach Liaison, New Jersey State Parole Board.

The youth participating in the event include residents from several JJC residential programs which serve male juveniles who are completing a term of probation or have been committed to the JJC by the courts. Placement in these facilities is determined by examining a juvenile's individual needs, risk factors and delinquency history. As a juvenile demonstrates increased preparedness to return home, his or her placement becomes less restrictive. Juveniles who require a more secure environment are placed at one of the six secure facilities operated by the JJC and are not eligible for this event. Residents are accompanied by staff at all times.

The Juvenile Justice Commission is responsible for more than 2,000 youth, comprised of approximately 1,000 committed youth, 300 probationers, and more than 900 juvenile parolees. JJC residents range in age from 12 to 23. The typical resident is 17 years old at the time of admission.

The JJC also invited young people from community-based programs which serve at-risk or troubled youth located in the Camden area to participate, including the YES Program and several juveniles who are currently serving parole in the Camden area.

The JJC formed a unique partnership with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) in 2003 that opens doors for JJC residents to become sporting officials. The students receive certificates, referral letters and mentors to be used upon their return home. They then serve a probation period and can help officiate rec leagues and sub-varsity games for pay, attend chapter meetings and study for the full NJSIAA test that certifies them as high school officials. In addition, it provides them with links to their communities.

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

For more information on the Philadelphia Phillies, please visit www.phillies.com