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Bridging the Gap: A Holistic Approach to Embedding “Credible” Resources for Youth People at High Risk for Harm and Violence in New York City
SESSION INFO
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Session Type: Workshop
When young people encounter the youth justice system in New York City (NYC), the Department of Probation (DOP) is responsible to explore factors that may have contributed to their court involvement. Throughout every point of NYC’s youth-serving justice system, DOP is responsible for engaging young people at the highest risk for harm [both violence against others and themselves] in the community. From pre-trial to post adjudication, a focus on collaborative relationships, community-based mentorship, and daily community engagement with Probation Officers, have shown effective in providing young people with alternative pathways for their future. DOP’s philosophy has focused on the transformative impact staff can have on young people (& their families) to ensure equitable opportunities to thrive. DOP’s holistic approach to addressing a young person’s needs and risk factors have helped ensure that their growth and wellbeing is prioritized from prosocial, emotional, educational, spiritual, and economic avenues. This workshop will demonstrate how DOP's various roles, innovative partnerships, and strategies, and collective ‘credible messenger’ services are best positioned to serve the community and reduce [gun] violence.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Joel Figueroa
Probation Officer of Alternatives to Placement Programs, NYC Department of Probation
Joel Figueroa is a Probation Officer for the New York City Department of Probation (DOP). Born and raised in the Bronx NY, for the past 5 years he supervised young people in a Harlem and the Bronx as part of an ‘Alternative to Placement’ program – meant for young people who would otherwise be incarcerated. Mr. Figueroa has been a part of several DOP programs for young people including weekly mentorship, weekend work initiatives, youth basketball, among others. Working with young people who are at the highest risk for harm, Mr. Figueroa has applied innovative engagement strategies that have made him the recipient of the 2022 State of Directors award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer. His passion helping young people overcome challenges is what drives and motivates him. Mr. Figueroa has a Bachelor of Arts in Government he obtained in John Jay College of Criminal Justice and enjoys bowling, playing basketball and traveling to learn about different cultures.
Hubert Johnson
SPO, NYC Department of Probation
Hubert Johnson is the Assistant Director of Policy & Program Innovation at the Department of Probation. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, for the past 8 ½ years he has worked at DOP – first as an Assessment Officer on a unit that evaluated young people for alternative to incarceration programs and more recently as a Supervising Probation Officer in the Intensive Community Monitoring (ICM) unit engaging young people pending a court disposition. He currently supports the creation of initiatives that focus on restorative practices, credible messengers, and youth voice across DOP. His passion for serving his community and young people regularly guides his work. Hubert has a MSW from Fordham University and enjoys reading, traveling, nature and running.
Mathew Lynch
Director of Policy & Program Innovation, NYC Department of Probation
Damien Simmons
Juvenile Mentor Coordinator, NYC Department of Probation
Damien Simmons is a Mentor Coordinator at the in the New York City Department of Probation (DOP). As a credible messenger, Mr. Simmons mentors’ young people on probation in the Bronx, providing coaching, guidance, and support to help young people navigate themselves away from the youth justice system.
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