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

UNION COUNTY- The Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) today announced that Union County will receive a $533,333 grant to establish a Residential Treatment Program with an aftercare component that will serve 20 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 available grants," stated Bruce D. Stout, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The JJC is pleased to fund Union County's program which will give the courts a valuable alternative that will help appropriate Union 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 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.

"With this grant, we will be better able to address the needs of our at-risk youth in their own communities," said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. "I congratulate the Union County Youth Services Commission for its dedication in winning this grant. Continuing efforts such as this program are making Union County a safer place in which to live."

This program will allow eligible youth offenders to receive intensive, individualized and community-based alternatives to incarceration. The County Youth Services Commission will structure a graduated plan with constant treatment from intensive residential services to intensive aftercare in a day treatment program. The youth will participate in a balanced program of restitution, supervision and youth-driven development and case management.

"This program will offer juvenile offenders the tools and the opportunity to change their behavior while still keeping close control over those in serious trouble," said Freeholder Nicholas P. Scutari, liaison to the Union County Youth Services Commission and the County's Juvenile Criminal Justice Advisory Board.

"By providing in-county services to these teenagers, we aim to reduce the recidivism rate and provide viable choices for them as they work to turn their lives around," said Freeholder Mary Ruotolo.

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 to lead more productive and acceptable lifestyles while ensuring security in the community.

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