__________________________________________Ask the DA

My son made several mistakes as a young man but is now trying to make a better life for himself and his family.  He was released from jail several months ago and is working very hard to move forward in a positive direction.  One of the areas that he regrets neglecting is his education and dropping out of high school.   Do you have any suggestions to offer?

            Several months ago I announced the launch of the “Community Justice Program,” which is a partnership between my office and Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, which will provide educational support for the formerly incarcerated and to others who are at risk of incarceration.

            The Community Justice Program will pair the college’s strong academic programs in social work and related disciplines with my office’s re-entry and diversion programs.  The program will include an array of initiatives, internships and courses, creating opportunities for both students and the formerly incarcerated.  Medgar Evers students will be afforded internship opportunities in my office’s re-entry and diversion programs and the Brooklyn treatment courts to assist the formerly incarcerated with educational and job development resources.  They will also provide assistance to crime victims, non-violent offenders and at-risk youth, including reading and literacy workshops, mentoring programs and GED training.

            The Community Justice Program joins ComAlert which helps formerly incarcerated persons make a successful transition from prison to home by providing drug and mental health treatment, counseling, GED  training, transitional housing and employment.  Additionally, GRASP, a collaborative program with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of Corrections, offers a re-entry initiative for high-risk and court-involved girls who are transitioning from custodial placements and are provided with comprehensive services including mentoring.

            If you would like to learn additional information about these programs please call my Neighborhood Office at (718) 250-2555, or a community specialist from my Community Relations Bureau at (718) 250-2805.

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