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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Shlomit Levy, Project Director of Center for Justice Innovations Brooklyn Felony Diversion Programs
7:48:02
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115 sec
Shlomit Levy, Project Director of the Center for Justice Innovations Brooklyn Felony Diversion Programs, testified about the importance of mental health treatment in the criminal justice system and the success of the Brooklyn Mental Health Court. She emphasized the need for continued funding to support their programs, particularly those focused on youth engagement.
- Highlighted that about half of people in city jails have mental health diagnoses, with one in five dealing with serious mental illness
- Reported that over 1,400 participants have successfully completed the Brooklyn Mental Health Court program, resulting in reduced rearrests and convictions
- Mentioned recent council investments allowed hiring a dedicated youth engagement social worker and requested renewed funding to strengthen youth-focused programs
Shlomit Levy
7:48:02
Good evening chairs Lee and Schulman and esteemed members of the committees on mental health, disabilities, and addiction and health.
7:48:08
My name is Shlomit Levy, and I serve as the project director for the Center for Justice Innovations Brooklyn Felony Diversion Programs, which include Brooklyn Mental Health Court and Brooklyn Felony Alternatives to Incarceration.
7:48:20
The Center for Justice Innovation works to provide responses to harm that give individuals the tools they need thrive in community.
7:48:27
Access to mental health treatment for all, whether in the courtroom or in the community, is absolutely critical.
7:48:32
Our approach to mental wellness focuses on identifying the needs of the person and addressing underlying issues with evidence based trauma informed practice.
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We work alongside communities to foster healthy responses to stress, trauma, and exposure to violence.
7:48:48
Approximately half of people in the city jails have some kind of mental health diagnosis, and at least one in five individuals are dealing with a serious mental illness, making the criminal legal system the de facto provider of treatment despite being ill equipped for this role.
7:49:03
Brooklyn Mental Health Court is New York City's First mental health court and addresses both program participation treatment needs and community public safety concerns and is presided over by our dedicated judge, judge Demick.
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Through 2024, over 1,400 participants have received treatment, satisfied program requirements, and graduated, success is evidenced by a reduction in rearrests and convictions.
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Recent council investments have allowed us to hire a dedicated youth engagement social worker who leads our youth programming and fosters close relationship with our participants.
7:49:38
Renewed funding will enable us to strengthen our youth focused programs, provide meaningful activities to our participants, and continue essential training for staff.
7:49:47
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today, a very long day.
7:49:51
We look forward to continuing our partnership partnership with council and to make a meaningful difference in New Yorkers' lives.