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A Special Day for the Red Hook and Brownsville Youth Courts

Yesterday we celebrated the joint graduation of the Red Hook Youth Court and Brownsville Youth Court members, along with the induction of our newest members at the United States District Court of the Easter District of New York.

Honorable Judge Gleeson gave the key note address
 
Judge John Gleeson gave the Key Note Address, and emphasized the importance of treating the respondents who come to youth court with respect, because we serve them.

Patria Frias-Colon gave the Partner Address

Patria Frias-Colon, Borough Chief of the Brooklyn Family Division of the NYC Law Department, gave the Partner Address. She praised our youth courts for doings their part to reduce the disproportionate contact our criminal justice system has with minority youth.

Captain Justin Lenz and Community Affairs Officers Vincent Marrone of the 76th Precinct were also present. They joined dozens of family members, friends, and staff to celebrate the great achievements of our youth courts.

Judge Gleeson swears in the newest Brownsville and Red Hook Youth Court members

Brownsville and Red Hook Youth Courts

This was the first time Brownsville and Red Hook held a graduation together and the first time we hosted the graduation at the US District Court. There were 17 graduates and 12 inductees from the Red Hook Youth Court. There were 14 graduates and 8 inductees from the Brownsville Youth Court. A total of 7 seniors from both youth courts are graduating high school and starting college in the Fall.

Sabrina Carter and Sharese Crouther, Youth and Community Program Coordinators from Red Hook and Brownsville congratulate all of the members.

Greg Berman, Director of the Center for Court Innovation, Greg Berman also came to celebrate, and you can read his take on the graduation here: http://www.gregberman.org/2014/07/youth-court-in-brooklyn.html.

We are very grateful to the staff at the US District Court of the Eastern District of New York for their contributed support of our Youth Court program.

Jessica Colon
Deputy Project Director


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