District Attorney Charles J. Hynes is currently spearheading the development of a community-based, residential alternative-to-prison program for defendant mothers and their children known as the Regina Drew House.  The District Attorney has brought together the Administration for Children’s Services, the courts, defense bar, other government officials, educators, advocacy groups and social service providers to create what promises to be a cutting-edge project.

In December 2000, the project’s pro bono counsel, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, helped form the Drew Foundation to oversee the program’s implementation and operation.  The Drew Foundation selected Palladia, Inc. to take the lead as service provider for the first Regina Drew House, a planned residential facility to be located in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn.

A wide range of services will be provided to support the families’ reunification and eventual re-entry into the community.  Once families have moved back in to the community, ongoing support and aftercare services will be available to help them maintain their independence and stability.  Among the services to be provided are parenting skills programs; alcoholism and substance abuse services; mental health services; activities of daily living programming; educational and vocational training; medical care; housing assistance; and appropriate social and recreational activities.