Must-See Coverage of DOP on WABC's "Here and Now"

In case you didn’t catch it, yesterday WABC Channel 7 aired an in-depth and inspirational feature on the mural the Bronx Family Court team created in partnership with our clients and the Xmental team.  This was followed by an interview with Commissioner Schiraldi, SPO Dalvanie Powell and PO Darrell Watson.  Get your week started off right and take a few minutes to watch both segments:

• Creation of the Bronx Family Court mural   
• Unveiling of Bronx Family Court mural and interview with DOP staff members  

Thanks and congrats to everyone who helped make tis wonderful project a reality.

Daily News Article on South Bronx NeON Poet-in-Residence

On March 24, the New York Daily News published a feature article on Dave Johnson, the Poet-in-Residence at the South Bronx Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON).  Dave works with clients in the Resource Hub to put their hopes and worries into words.  As Lilly, a 31 year-old probation client, eloquently described the positive impact Dave is having on the lives of those he works with: "I have confidence now that I never had before...  Thanks to Dave and everyone here I can think about where I want to be.”  You can view photos and videos of the poets at work on the DOP Flickr page.

Press Coverage for NeON and Juvenile Justice Reforms

Child Welfare Watch, a publication of The New School's Center for New York City Affairs, recently released a report entitled "Brushes With The Law: Young New Yorkers and the Criminal Justice System." The report includes three articles about DOP's Contributions to the City's juvenile justice reform efforts:

• "Case Closed: Thousands More Teens are Now Diverted From Juvenile Court" (in PDF)
• "Where People Live" (in PDF)
• "New Options for Young Lawbreakers" (in PDF)

GED 2014: Coming Soon!

Do you want to get your GED, or have you already started but need to finish?  NOW is the time to act, because on January 1, 2014, the GED process in NYC  will change dramatically:

• The new test will be more difficult.
• You will have to pass the whole thing in one try.
• You will have to pay to take the test. 
• People who have taken and passed some but not all of the current GED test will see all of their scores expire
   
  If you need to start the test, contact one of the Department of Education’s borough-based Referral Centers. 
   
  If you’re between the ages of 17-24 and haven’t started the test, you should contact the nearest Office of Adult and Continuing Education site.

If you’re between the ages of 17-24 and have already passed part of the current GED test, check out the 2013 GED Campaign to Finish.  You can also call 718-557-2525 or text “GED” to 30644 for more information.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a great way for young people to earn some money and learn valuable job skills.  In 2012, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) employed approximately 30,000 participants and placed them at 5,677 worksites.

Here are more details:

• Starts July 8 and ends August 17
• Work up to 25 hours a week while earning $7.25 per hour
• Employers include government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, nonprofits, small businesses and retailers
• Applicants must reside in New York City and be between the ages of 14-24.  

The application is available NOW—check it out!  Applicants are selected via a lottery, and the deadline to apply is May 10, 2013.

RAP Sheet Assistance Project

Have you encountered trouble finding work or housing because of errors in your criminal record?

DOP and the City of New York are now coordinating with four providers who can help you clean up your RAP sheets, and
it’s all FREE!

Below is information on the participating providers.  The RAP Sheet Assistance Project ends on June 30, so please act quickly!

Get an ID
Having an ID (identification) is one of the keys to success.  Don't have one?  Visit the ID= website for help.

Many probation clients are eligible to vote despite having a criminal record. Learn more about who is eligible to vote.