JJC AWARDS ESSEX COUNTY $533,333 GRANT
- County to Offer New Program for Juveniles -

ESSEX COUNTY - The Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) today announced that Essex County will receive a $533,334 grant to establish a Residential Treatment Program with a Step Down component that will serve a minimum of 12 juveniles annually. These juvenile offenders would otherwise be 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. As a result, the JJC encourages local governments to design community-based services and sanctions and apply for grants," stated Bruce D. Stout, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The JJC is pleased to fund Essex County's program which will give the courts a valuable option that will help appropriate Essex County youth turn their lives around before it is too late."

The JJC's newly established Division of Local Programs and Services provides funding for the Essex County program through the State Incentive Program (SIP). SIP works with counties to develop and fund specific programs targeted at their individual community needs. 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 throughout the state.

"We must be responsible for addressing the needs of our troubled youth within the communities in which they live," said Essex County Executive James W. Treffinger. "Providing in-county services to these teenagers may reduce the recidivism rate and provide viable choices for them to turn their lives around."

Brian P. Scantlebury, Director, Department of Citizen Services and co-chairman of the Essex County Youth Services Commission, the planning and advisory body for this population commented, "This program will help fill a gap in the much needed services for Essex County youth. In light of the fact that Essex County is one of the counties with the highest rates of commitment to the Juvenile Justice Commission, this award could not be more timely."

Judge Donald Volkert, Presiding Judge of Essex County's Family Court stated that, "This program will give the court more latitude to craft a local option for appropriate youth, while closely monitoring their progress."

The program is designed to address the needs of juveniles placed on probation by the family court system in the age range of 14-17 years old who, but for this program would be committed to a JJC facility or JJC residential program. The residential treatment program will include twelve beds with two additional beds for youth who are "stepping down" or preparing to return to the community.

The successful provider, to be identified from respondents to a Request for Proposal, will utilize a holistic approach involving families, counseling services, alternative schools, peer education, life skills, mentoring, vocational training, as well as drug and alcohol monitoring. This vigorous program offers a variety of activities and strong oversight allowing youth to develop the skills they need to lead more productive and acceptable lifestyles while ensuring security in the community.

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