Justice Department and AmeriCorps Join Forces to Empower Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth

In a collaborative effort aimed at transforming the lives of justice-involved youth, the Office of Justice Programs' Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced a significant grant of $2.5 million to AmeriCorps. This grant is poised to fund crucial service activities tailored to offer a second chance to young individuals who have faced encounters with the juvenile justice system. Together, OJJDP and AmeriCorps are addressing the multifaceted challenges that these youth encounter upon reentering their communities after being in juvenile residential or correctional facilities.

"The partnership between the Justice Department and AmeriCorps is rooted in the belief that together we will positively impact the lives of justice-involved youth by offering support, guidance, and resources to help these young people overcome obstacles and successfully contribute to their communities," expressed Amy L. Solomon, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

As per statistics, nearly 25,000 youth in the United States are held in residential placements. These young individuals, when returning to their families and communities, often face formidable barriers, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, which consequently heighten their risk of recidivism. The collaborative efforts between OJJDP and AmeriCorps are geared towards enhancing the welfare of the nation's youth, broadening their horizons, and equipping them with the necessary tools to transition smoothly back into their communities.

"We are proud to partner with AmeriCorps to expand services to justice-involved youth and engage them so they can make a real difference in their communities," emphasized Liz Ryan, OJJDP Administrator. "This partnership will not only improve outcomes for youth but will improve public safety."

AmeriCorps, renowned as the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, is all set to leverage this funding by providing grants to community-based programs. These grants will be instrumental in enhancing and expanding reentry services for youth, with a unique approach that includes engaging these young individuals as AmeriCorps members.

"I am thrilled to partner with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure all youth have a fair and just opportunity to serve and be served," voiced Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. "This partnership will provide us with opportunities, opportunities to connect with young people who risk falling through the cracks of our society, opportunities to welcome more people into AmeriCorps from different backgrounds, and opportunities to bolster organizations with resources and know-how to support second-chance youth."

This collaborative endeavor aligns seamlessly with OJJDP's priority of opening up possibilities for young people who come into contact with the justice system. It also stands as a testament to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) unwavering mission to reduce recidivism and enhance outcomes for youth who return to their communities following periods of confinement. The partnership between OJJDP and AmeriCorps signifies a beacon of hope, offering a brighter future for justice-involved youth and a safer, more inclusive society for us all.

Border Patrol Explorers Graduate

Hebbronville and Zapata Station Explorer Posts Candidates Graduate

Hebbronville, Texas – On July 27, 2012, a formal ceremony was held in honor of local youth graduating from Border Patrol Explorer Posts #359 representing Hebbronville and post #9000 representing Zapata. The graduation was held at the Hebbronville Border Patrol Station. A total of ten students were recognized after successfully completing an aggressive three-week law enforcement explorer academy. The academy is a first ever for both the Hebbronville and Zapata Stations. Young men and women from the community were tested by a rigorous academic, field, and physical curriculum, providing them a taste of how federal agents are trained and held to high standards. 

Explorer Advisors, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Maria Rivera and Border Patrol Agents Tracy Anderson, Jason Wells, Gilbert Munoz, Miguel Lopez, Ruth Hernandez, Jesse Sanchez, William Torres, Roberto Lopez, and Jose Garza, enhanced program experiences by extending not only Border Patrol expertise to activities and curriculum, but supplemented them with parents, the community, and various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, Drug Enforcement Agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were all active participants in the program. They taught teaching academy segments highlighting the strength and intersection of community and law enforcement coming together in partnership to strengthen local youth.

In a keynote speech, Hebbronville Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge Juan “Vinny” Barberena, a former Border Patrol Explorer himself, spoke about the benefits of being an explorer that includes career opportunity, leadership, life skills, citizenship and character development. The academy graduation was led by the Laredo Sector Honor Guard, with the badge pinning by Laredo Sector Acting Division Chief Darren Matthews, Hebbronville Patrol Agent In Charge Dion Ethell, and Zapata Acting Deputy Patrol Agent In Charge Adrian Reyes.

The graduates were Josephine Arredondo, Abran Gomez, Alan Gomez, Florencia Gonzalez, Jorge Gutierrez, Leandro Hinojosa, Alyssa Martinez, Candice Medellin, Vanessa Perez, Jesus Resendez, Monique Singleterry, and Mario Solis.

A flag retirement ceremony with the local Hebbronville American Legion Post completed the day’s events honoring the proud traditions of the U.S. Border Patrol and their motto, “Honor First!”

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol at toll free telephone number at (800)-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

U.S. Border Patrol to Host First Law Enforcement Explorer Program in Maine

Houlton, Maine — The Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, Fort Fairfield Station, has established a CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program in Maine where agents will mentor and prepare young adults for future careers in leadership and law enforcement. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents between the ages of 14 and 21, who are currently enrolled in either high school or college, should act now as there are a limited number of vacancies in the program.

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program in partnership with professional organizations to prepare young adults for certain professions, such as careers in law enforcement.

The hands-on program promotes self-confidence, responsibility, leadership and citizenship qualities to participants by modeling positive relationships between law enforcement and communities. Leading by example, CBP border patrol agents will assist law enforcement explorers in performing a wide variety of activities and community service projects throughout Maine.

Individuals interested in exploring a law enforcement career, promoting character development and acquiring skills in such areas as management, supervision, instruction, public speaking and community relations, are encouraged to contact Supervisory Border Patrol Agent John Krause at (207) 472-5041 or the Houlton Sector Public Affairs Office at (207) 532-6521 before July 13.

For more information on the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program, please visit the CBP web site.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Brownsville Hosts First Joint CBP Explorer Academy

Brownsville, Texas - Starting on June 18, for two weeks, the Brownsville Port of Entry and the Fort Brown and Brownsville Border Patrol Stations hosted a two-week academy for 51 new Explorer cadets. This was the first time that a joint Federal Explorer academy training has been held in Brownsville. The training was conducted as a joint operation between CBP Field Operations and Border Patrol, and was also the first time the Brownsville Port of Entry has had an active Explorer Post since 2002. The cadets were trained in numerous law enforcement scenarios that are based on actual training received by CBP officers and agents. There were physical training requirements such as a 1.5-mile run that had to be completed within 15 minutes, push-ups and sit-ups all designed to test the cadets' physical endurance and abilities.

There also was a classroom component in which the cadets were introduced to criminal and immigration law, laws governing commercial fraud, use of force, officer safety and survival, the history of CBP and the agencies that came together to form it. Of the 51 cadets that started the academy, 43 will successfully complete the training, receive a CBP Explorer badge and will then be welcomed into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection family and their respective Explorer Post. Explorer Posts are guided by a team of CBP officers and Border Patrol agents who collectively mentor these young men and women.

“Some of our present officers and agents are former explorers; this program allows us to mentor young people while giving them the opportunity to experience what a career in law enforcement has to offer. I congratulate our new explorers and thank all of the officers and agents who volunteer their time to this tremendous program,” said Eugenio Garza Jr., Director, Field Operations, Laredo Field Office. 

“The Explorer program serves as a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement. It provides young people with a valuable opportunity to learn about law enforcement careers firsthand, while at the same time building their character and leadership abilities,” Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa said. “Ultimately it can help them achieve their full potential in life. Congratulations to the new Explorers and thank you to all those devoting their efforts to make this program a success.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Secretary Napolitano Announces Deferred Action Process for Young People Who Are Low Enforcement Priorities

WASHINGTON— Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced that effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible to apply for work authorization.

“Our nation’s immigration laws must be enforced in a firm and sensible manner,” said Secretary Napolitano. “But they are not designed to be blindly enforced without consideration given to the individual circumstances of each case. Nor are they designed to remove productive young people to countries where they may not have lived or even speak the language. Discretion, which is used in so many other areas, is especially justified here.”

DHS continues to focus its enforcement resources on the removal of individuals who pose a national security or public safety risk, including immigrants convicted of crimes, violent criminals, felons, and repeat immigration law offenders. Today’s action further enhances the Department’s ability to focus on these priority removals.

Under this directive, individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case by case basis:

1.Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;

2.Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;

3.Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;

4.Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;

5.Are not above the age of thirty.

Only those individuals who can prove through verifiable documentation that they meet these criteria will be eligible for deferred action. Individuals will not be eligible if they are not currently in the United States and cannot prove that they have been physically present in the United States for a period of not less than 5 years immediately preceding today’s date. Deferred action requests are decided on a case-by-case basis. DHS cannot provide any assurance that all such requests will be granted. The use of prosecutorial discretion confers no substantive right, immigration status, or pathway to citizenship. Only the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer these rights.

While this guidance takes effect immediately, USCIS and ICE expect to begin implementation of the application processes within sixty days. In the meantime, individuals seeking more information on the new policy should visit USCIS’s website (at www.uscis.gov), ICE’s website (at www.ice.gov), or DHS’s website (at www.dhs.gov). Beginning Monday, individuals can also call USCIS’ hotline at 1-800-375-5283 or ICE’s hotline at 1-888-351-4024 during business hours with questions or to request more information on the forthcoming process.

For individuals who are in removal proceedings and have already been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria and have been offered an exercise of discretion as part of ICE’s ongoing case-by-case review, ICE will immediately begin to offer them deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.

Public Invited to Free Community Youth Safety Fair

San Diego FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Birnbaum invites the public to attend a special Juvenile Safety Fair scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2012. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Center located at 404 Euclid Avenue in San Diego, California, 92114.

The Safety Fair will include booths with health and safety information for youth from a variety of local organizations. Presentations will be held throughout the day on topics including gangs, self-defense, drug abuse, bullying, and online safety. Attendees can learn about bicycle safety, participate in obstacle courses, and watch driving and skateboarding demonstrations. A free bicycle tune-up will be available to those who bring their bikes to the event. Lowriders and special law enforcement vehicles will also be on display. Free face painting, a rock climbing wall, free raffle, and other fun activities will be available for the youth.

The FBI will be distributing free Child ID kits and public safety informational brochures in both English and Spanish.

This Juvenile Safety Fair is presented by the Jacobs Center/ Project Safe Way, San Diego Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, Rady Children’s Hospital, Lowrider Community of San Diego, SAY San Diego, San Diego Unified School District Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event to learn important safety information and crime prevention tips to help protect and educate the youth in our community.

For more information about this event, please call Erin MacKinnon (FBI) at 858-499- 7464 or Danny Gutierrez (Jacobs Center/ Project Safe Way) at 619-527-6161, ext. 174.

Defending Our Most Vulnerable

The following post appears courtesy of Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West

When we review the statistics, look in our communities, or read the newspaper, it is clear that our children face great challenges.  Whether at home, in school, on the streets, or online, our children are witnessing and experiencing intolerable levels of violence.  At the Department of Justice, we know that understanding the nature and extent of children’s exposure to violence is essential to combating its effects.

Today, I’m pleased to announce that, with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the department is releasing new data in a bulletin entitled Child and Youth Victimization Known to Police, School and Medical Authorities. This bulletin tells us when children report violence, what type of violence, and to whom.  It specifically looks at the victimizations that were known to the police, teachers and other school personnel, and doctors and other medical professionals.

Attorney General Eric Holder has made preventing violence against children a top priority at one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the world.  To that end, he established the Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence, also called the Defending Childhood Task Force, which is working to identify the scope of, and solutions to, violence against children.  We are striving for a safe environment for our children so that they have the opportunity to develop into healthy adults.  This, we know, will determine the course of our nation’s future.

There is much progress being made by the task force, but I want to highlight one area in which the department is hard at work—gathering nationwide data on childhood victims of violence.

According to the new data, we know that, overall, kids are disclosing incidents of violence they suffered or witnessed at much higher rates than 20 years ago.  But too much victimization is still unreported, and we’ve discovered much about where reporting remains low.  For example, our findings indicate that authorities knew about a majority of serious victimizations, including incidents of sexual abuse by an adult, gang assaults, and kidnappings.  But authorities were mostly unaware of other kinds of  serious offenses committed by peers, such as instances of dating violence (15 percent reported) and completed and attempted rape by a peer (14 percent reported).  Moreover, authorities were much less likely to learn of victimizations of certain groups of victims (like boys, Hispanic youth, and youth from higher socio-economic status) or when the perpetrators were peers or family members.  And finally, authorities only knew about half of the episodes of children witnessing domestic violence.

The sooner we know about a child’s victimization or exposure to violence, the better our chances are at intervening effectively and the more likely we are to restore hope in a child’s life.  We can help bridge the gaps between our partners in schools, law enforcement, and the medical community to ensure that children have access to effective prevention and treatment options.  The research also reminds us that for all the progress achieved in this area, still too many children suffer in silence, never getting the assistance they so desperately need. Getting them critical help that could make all the difference in their lives.

Breaking that silence is the ultimate goal—our collective goal—for Defending Childhood.  So, if you or someone you know has been a victim, I hope you will take the first step.  Learn how you can take action to protect children at justice.gov/defendingchildhood If you’re a victim of violence in your home, and wanthelp right away, call or visit: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-2-A-CHILD (TTY).  Justice begins with you.

April 22-28, 2012 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). Each April since 1981, the Office for Victims of Crimes at the U.S. Department of Justice has helped lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.  Learn more at OVC.gov.