The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is hosting a reception on Monday, Nov. 30 in the West Palm Beach City Hall, Flagler Room, from 5 to 7 p.m. The purpose of the reception is to provide area employers with information on incentives to hire recently incarcerated persons. Light refreshments will be served. The sponsor for the event is A & Associates, a local temporary staffing firm owned by Andrew Luchey.
County Commissioner Priscilla A. Taylor has determined that re-entry and access to services is a major impediment to her District 7 constituents. The number one issue for the 600 participants who attended a transition fair in September was jobs. This upcoming reception is an effort to reach out to local employers on this issue. (The next transition fair will be held in District 7 on Jan. 29, 2010.)
At the reception, the CJC will provide employers with information on financial incentives when hiring the recently incarcerated. Chief Judge Peter Blanc, the featured speaker, will discuss the cost to society, both financially and emotionally, when citizens go to jail. Over 30,000 persons are detained and released yearly from the Palm Beach County Jail. The cost to the taxpayer increases each year. Also speaking is Senior Policy Advisor for Corrections Gary L. Dennis, Ph.D., from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance in Washington, D.C. He will provide the national perspective on this subject.
Since 2001, the CJC has been working with several other government agencies on alternatives to incarceration. The CJC has observed that it is imperative to connect released persons to services and support immediately upon their release. Experiencing structured goals and objectives lessens the chances of returning to a life of crime.
There are three CJC programs that focus on the issue, effects and solutions to the tremendous recidivism issue in our county: Weed and Seed, Youth Violence Initiative and Corrections Task Force. Each of these projects seeks to provide recommendations for policy decisions. The Weed and Seed program has committed up to $100,000 each year to help fund extensive case management services to the recently released. There are Weed and Seed offices in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Gramercy Village, and an office will soon open in Belle Glade. The CJC also supports three Justice Service Centers.
For more information, please call the CJC at 561-355-4943.
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