Criminal Justice Commission’s Weed and Seed Hosts Fair

For immediate release: Sept. 3, 2009
Contact: Rosalind Murray (561) 355-2332

The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission’s (CJC) Weed and Seed Program will host a Re-Entry Transition Fair on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  It will be held at the Clayton E. Hutcheson Agricultural Center located at 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach.

The purpose of the Re-Entry Transition Fair is to connect ex-offenders to the cadre of services offered in Palm Beach County.  More than 40 service providers will attend including Gulfstream Goodwill, Justice Service Centers, Florida Department of Corrections and the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.  The goal of the fair is to provide the assistance and support ex-offenders require in hopes that they do not re-offend and become part of the “revolving door” course of action prevalent in many offenders’ lives.

Weed and Seed utilizes a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. By “weeding” out problems, arresting the criminals, and “seeding” the neighborhoods with crime prevention methods, a partnership is created.  The partnerships include neighborhood improvement, code enforcement and specialized neighborhood intervention.

As in other Weed and Seed programs across the nation, Palm Beach County has made re-entry a priority.   There are five Weed and Seed sites in the county all with re-entry components:  Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Riviera Beach, Gramercy Village and West Palm Beach.   Successful re-entry initiatives provide support through existing service systems such as those involving mental health, employment, substance abuse prevention, housing, welfare, faith-based and transportation services.  Weed and Seed funding can be used to manage and supervise the returning offender populations (through law enforcement, corrections, and judicial systems) and to also develop support services.

For over twenty years, Palm Beach County’s CJC has been at the forefront of cutting edge research and program development in all areas that impact criminal justice, courts, jails, youth violence, law enforcement planning, research and crime prevention.  The CJC is governed by a board of directors that provides leadership and guidance in these areas.

Join the CJC’s efforts to stabilize neighborhoods and provide hope to those who want to improve their lives.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Criminal Justice Commission’s Weed and Seed Program at 561-355-4943.