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Commissioner Holmes discusses research into new programs for younger youth
1:01:20
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105 sec
Commissioner Juanita Holmes elaborates on the Department of Probation's efforts to research and develop new programs tailored for younger youth. She addresses the need for age-appropriate programming and efforts to remove barriers to participation.
- Holmes mentions research into programs like Google STEM for young people
- Discusses looking into alternatives to placement programs
- Highlights considerations for program logistics, such as timing and location, to improve accessibility and attendance
Juanita Holmes
1:01:20
naturally, listen, especially our young people always at, you know, at our biggest interest.
1:01:26
And yes, so when we are looking at the programs, I noticed when I came in such as Arches programs and NEON programs, they go from one age to another age, but yet I was always told, oh, but anyone can attend.
1:01:38
But if it's not welcoming for that young person, right, because there's a larger age group, then we need something more for that younger person.
1:01:45
And we have been researching other programs.
1:01:48
Judges, I've mentioned during some of the meetings I have with Do
Althea Stevens
1:01:51
you have some the names of some of the programs that you guys have been researching?
1:01:53
I
Juanita Holmes
1:01:54
know you have the Google STEM that we're looking at for young people.
1:01:59
Also, we're looking for other alternatives to placement because the same two have been in place for the past twelve years.
1:02:07
I believe Echoes is only in two boroughs, right, and which is not good because if a child resides in the Bronx, he has to go to Echoes in Manhattan.
1:02:17
But that doesn't make sense, right?
1:02:20
And then children that time of day, this is twice a week after school should be home doing homework.
1:02:25
So not only are we looking at the type of programs, the age groups and removing some of these barriers especially logistically, but we're also taking a look at does it work better for them to go to a longer day on a Saturday instead of after school when you could be doing after school projects or you may have to help with your brother and sister at home, you know, until mom gets home.
1:02:47
Why?
1:02:47
It's because you're less likely to show up if you have those particular barriers in place and we're seeing some of that and the data is showing that.
1:02:55
So the answer to your question, Councilwoman Stevens, is yes.
1:02:59
We are definitely taking that into consideration because I don't see a lot of programs for our young people.