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Partnerships that Build Stronger Futures

Partnerships that Build Stronger Futures

Hammond, La – On Friday, November 12th, Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center (FPJDC) held an awards ceremony honoring their post-adjudicated youth and recognizing their completion of the fall 2021 training programs. Joseph Dominick, the Executive Director of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center, began the event by welcoming guests and juvenile justice stakeholders from the 21st and 22nd Judicial Districts. Mr. Dominick shared a brief history of FPJDC, reflecting on when the center opened its doors in 1994. “FPJDC has primarily been a place of pre-trial detention for youth requiring secure placement. In late 2018, we recognized the need to provide long-term placement space for youth, as many kids were awaiting state placement. With that in mind, I knew we needed something to keep our kids closer to home once they were adjudicated and received their sentence. The research shows that when families remain engaged in a child’s rehabilitation, the outcomes are more successful,” Mr. Dominick stated.   

Continuously improving and providing a better way to facilitate family involvement is always at the forefront of our work, and having a facility close to home versus out of state could help provide a different future outcome for students. The Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commission and Mr. Dominick worked to develop a long-term, or post-adjudicated program, that could house youth who had been adjudicated delinquent. The center’s long-term program has housed fifty-two youth in the short time of its operation, and thirty-three of these youth received their high school diploma while working the program. As students became more successful at completing such a tremendous feat, FPJDC wanted to push students further to help them obtain a higher education degree and skills training while in the program.  

As a partnership with Northshore Technical Community College developed, the opportunity for our students to receive certifications and skills training that would help build their career choices would now be available. Dr. Wainwright, Chancellor of Northshore Technical College, expressed that “Education plays a vital role in rehabilitation. Northshore Technical Community College is honored to work closely with judges, community leaders, and the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center administration and faculty to aid in the development and transformation of our youth through the power of education. This collaboration will ensure the long-term strength of families and communities.”  

Attendees included: State Representative Nicholas Muscarello, Jr., 21st Judicial District Juvenile Judge Blair Edwards, City Court of East St. Tammany Judge Bryan Haggerty, City Court of East St. Tammany Clerk Camille Messina, 22nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery, Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commission Chair and 21st Judicial District Court Administrator George “Bo” Coxen, Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commissioner Erica D. Williams, and Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commissioner Kathleen Wilkin.  

The Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commission is an eight-member board appointed by the judges and district attorneys from within the parishes of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. The Commission oversees the affairs of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District, its Executive Director, and the operation of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. The facility has one hundred thirty-three beds, is opened 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, and houses youth from 10-17 years old accused of committing misdemeanor or felony grade offenses. The Detention Center staffs approximately 100 employees, containing jobs in Detention Security, Counseling, Nursing, Maintenance, and Food Services, with most of the positions involving around-the-clock shift work. 

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About Northshore Technical Community College   

Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) is a comprehensive college with a rich history of providing workforce education and academic pathways to universities across the state of Louisiana. Beyond the traditional classroom and workforce training opportunities, NTCC provides opportunities for students seeking our Adult Education, ESL, and YouthBuild programs. NTCC is comprised of its Main Campus in Lacombe, Hammond Area Campus, Florida Parishes Campus in Greensburg, Sullivan Campus in Bogalusa, Connect to Success Campus at Southeastern, Livingston Campus in Walker, and Rayburn Correctional Center. In 2015, NTCC was recognized by the Brookings Institute as the first in the nation for the economic value of its graduates. The Chronicle of Higher Education named NTCC in 2019 as the seventh fastest-growing college from 2007-2017. NTCC was also awarded the Top 50 Places to Work in New Orleans by the Times-Picayune in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Northshore Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. If you would like more information about the Northshore Technical Community College, check us out at northshorecollege.edu. Media Contact: Lauren Donaldson laurendonaldson@northshorecollege.edu  

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