BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 3, 2012
PRESENT:
D. ABRAHAM P. BELLENBAUM R. CERVONE
E, ECHEVARRIA E. FELDER M. KOLMAN
C. RYAN M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO
B. SOLOTAIRE S. TURET
EXCUSED:
L. HILL R. UNDERWOOD
ABSENT:
J. BERNARD E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ A. DAVILA
M. RUIZ
GUESTS:
HON. VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, STATE SENATOR
L. ALBRECHT A. MERHEB Z. RANIERI
M. YANCHE D. MOORE J. EASTWOOD
*** MINUTES ***
Update and presentation by representatives for Good Shepherd Services on their array of programs and services offered in our district, and the proposed conversion of the Barbara Blum Residence at 262 9th Street (between 4th/5th Avenues) from a Non-Secure Detention to a Non-Secure Placement group home for 12 boys.
Good Shepherd Services moved to Park Slope in 1972. They handled domestic violence situations and family counseling. They were under the Administration for Children Services then not now. They are back with ACS. • There are 108 families at the Family Reception Center. The Red Hook Family has 90 families. • After school programs • Residential programs for ages 12 years to 26 years • 12-16 years old (32 beds). For girls who have been removed from their home, less than a year. • 18-26 years old (40 beds). Year “training” homes. Pay rent but it gets retained. • 18-26 years old (51 beds). 3 year housing with services. • Group home – short term for kids in trouble.
Barbara Blum Center close to home law. Closed right now. Reopening its long term detention- up to 7 months. Will attend Belmont Academy in District 79. Group services are provided – tutoring, art, out of home services.
Changing the question from what’s wrong? To what happened?
Uses the “Sanctuary model” of therapy. Students and Staff all follow the same rules.
Senator Velmanette Montgomery spoke. She has to support Good Shepherd – happy that they are here in the community. Is a supporter of the “Missouri model” which Good Shepherd uses.
Financing: the DOE and private funding also ACS, DYCD – depending on program.
Q: Do they have job training? A: Yes, learning to work internship – not much else in-house.
The program is primarily about education.
The Community Advisory Board is extending invitation to serve on the board. For more information contact Denise Hinds, Asst. Exec. Director at (212) 243-7070, extension 235.
Discussion with education policy expert David C. Bloomfield on some of the problems, challenges and opportunities inherent in the New York City education system.
David C. Bloomfield is Professor of Educational Law at Brooklyn College, CUNY. • Former General Counsel for DOE • Advocates for children • Works with City policy, supporter of Mayoral control.
Districts 13 and 15 – came to speak about how to help committee become involved in the school. • Mayoral control – Mayor to control the budget is how it should be. • How do community boards work with CEC’s to better schools? Or with DOE • Organization of DOE – Mayor to Chancellor to PEP to Mayor (is the cycle) • Networks – need to know what network the school is – school operates within that network. Now the DOE is department – inclusion into City Hall. • Principals need the help to connect their students to the city services that are available to them. (Services – tutoring, GED prep, youth/parent services, LYFE centers) • Partnerships – New Visions, College Board; can work as a liaison between schools in CB6 and their partnership organizations. • Concern from our committee is finding our voice in the midst of the DOE/CEC and how decisions/action is taken. • When looking at overcrowding issue – Community Board will have more representation. • Need to maintain continuity of support for schools in CB6. • Are there opportunities to work with the CEC? • What about passing a resolution saying that the DOE has to go through the CB? • Would be good to find a school where there is a clear need for educational community need. • Overcrowding is one of the biggest issues facing CB6 schools. • October 22nd – Parent’s Voices Conference – testing, etc. chance for parents to connect. • Don’t want to get sucked into education issues – Community Board should focus on community issues. • Safe routes to school – we should partner with Transportation to work on this.
ORIENTATION:
Initiatives: Youth Employment Fair - - Might want to check viability with local businesses. - Modeled after Volunteer Fair of CB6. - Might want to look at February/March to coordinate with student schedule and summer employment. - Should reach out to the 7th Avenue Merchant Association and other commerce organizations. - Would need a large enough space for it, especially if indoors – maybe we should keep it smaller for first time. - Want to talk to Craig to get his buy-in and feedback. - Want to be cautious about building up hopes for youth employment.