__________________________________________Ask the DA

       

Previously I responded in this column to a letter inquiring where a parent could turn for help with a child who was a chronic truant and was becoming involved with people that this parent believed to be engaged in criminal activity.  I would like to take this opportunity to announce my new initiative known as “Back on  
                                   Track,” aimed at reducing crime and recidivism among youthful offenders and truants.

            Last week I began a new juvenile justice initiative known as Back on Track aimed at steering at-risk young people away from criminal activity.  The new headquarters for this program is in Brownsville at the CPCA Community Enrichment Center located at 2318 Atlantic Avenue.

            The best way to prevent crime is to get young people Back on Track before they slide completely off the rails.  This new program will provide the help these wayward teens need to stay off the streets, stay out of jail, and get Back on Track.  The program is a collaboration among various partners including my office, CPCA, Inc., the Department of Probation, Center for Court Innovation, Department of Education and Police Athletic League.  My office will serve as the lead agency in the coordination of services for program participants.

            The initiative will serve as a one-stop shop for Brownsville residents, age’s 7 to 21, who are chronically truant, involved with the criminal justice system, or considered at risk for dropping out of school.  All students referred to my Truancy Program and the NYC Department of Probation will be assessed by Back on Track and recommended for services.  A full-time social worker, employed by my office, will work with the participants and their families to make sure that they get the assistance that they need.  Services will include parenting workshops, GED classes, computer and office skills training, vocational assistance, CDL and driver‘s education, adult and continuing education, English as a Second Language, and access to medical, dental and mental health services and substance abuse treatment.  These students will be closely monitored for one year in their progress.  All services will be provided within the community and will include the families.

            For additional information visit www.brooklynda.org.  To have your questions answered in a future column, send your inquiries to asktheda@brooklynda.org.

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