|
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.
The program at the Regina Drew House is expected to
strengthen the bond between mothers and children to help
break family cycles of substance abuse, homelessness and
violence. It is also expected to expand available
community services and enhance community economic
development through added opportunities for employment. |