JJC Training Academy Graduates 15 Youth Workers

TRENTON - Fifteen youth workers, who are employed at various Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) facilities, graduated today from the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's Training Academy. Family members, friends and representatives from the JJC attended the ceremony held at the JJC's Valentine Residential Community Home in Bordentown.

The six-week training course is specifically designed to provide front-line staff with skills that enable them to manage youths with special and multiple needs. The training includes a course on the history of the Family Court and juvenile justice system in the State of New Jersey. Staff receive training in conflict resolution, dispute mediation, crisis intervention, as well as fire safety and emergency planning. Appropriate facility management is critical to providing safe and secure facilities that are responsive to the needs of students. A total of 158 hours of training -- both in the classroom and on-site practical application -- prepare staff to provide quality supervision and rehabilitation of youths.

"The Juvenile Justice Commission is proud of its Training Academy staff, and of the unique curriculum developed to ensure that youth workers have the training they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. The JJC is committed to realizing the potential of the youths in its care and thereby helping them change the direction of their futures. Youth workers play a critical role in fulfilling this mission," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, Juvenile Justice Commission. "These graduates have chosen a profession that seeks to make a difference in the lives of our state's youths. I commend them for their service and congratulate them on their completion of the rigorous academy training."

"Training offers an excellent opportunity to improve skills, provide motivation, and establish positive attitudes," said Michael Cleary, Director of the JJC's Training Academy. "The individuals who complete this course leave with a clear understanding of the impact they have on the lives of youths, and are prepared for the multiple challenges they face everyday. I congratulate our graduates for their dedication and perseverance."

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 youths. The JJC operates 6 secure facilities and 22 community programs.

A list of graduates, the facility they are assigned to and the location of each facility follows.

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