Tyler said too many young people are in jail. LIstening is legislator
Richard Gerentine, who chaired a ‘committee of the whole’ session
prior to the vote
KINGSTON – The proposal became an instant hit when Ulster County Executive Michael Hein included it in his 2018 budget proposal. Most of the public comment on the budget enthusiastically supported a Restorative Justice Program for county youth at risk.
Thursday night, all eight speakers during public comment at a special county legislature session urged approval.
Rashida Tyler, director of Research and Operational Programming, with the Ulster County Attorney’s Office, said too many young people are in jail for the wrong reason.
“And most of the youths incarcerated are for non-violent crimes. These trends not only impact the individuals directly involved, but also the communities they live in.
Tyler said they are working with citizens to develop an alternative that will get young offenders back into society in a positive way.
“Mental health, academic tutoring, mentoring, job training, career readiness, building communication and social skills, helping self-expression, including the creative arts, writing and music and volunteer opportunities,” Tyler said, adding this will give them an opportunity to give back.
The four resolutions authorize reconfiguring existing space in the county
probation building on Broadway in Kingston to accommodate the Ulster County
Restorative Justice and Community Empowerment Center.
The legislature voted 18-0 to approve the approximately $2.85 million bond
and three associated resolutions.
