September 12, 2011
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO JUVENILE PROBATION COMMISSION PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 12, 2011 2:30 p.m. Juvenile Probation Department 375 Woodside Avenue, Main Conference Room 247 San Francisco, CA 94127 Programs Committee Dirk Beijen, Chair Suzy Jones Rebecca Woodson 1. Roll call · The Commission Chair called the meeting to order at 2:32 p.m. Commissioners Beijen, Jones and Woodson were present. 2. Public Comment · Jaren Bonillo, Executive Director and Laura Poppiti, Development Manager of Imagine Bus Project, said their organization has been providing arts education programming to SF Juvenile Justice Center since 2001. They recently acquired a federal endowment for the arts grant that will produce a collaborative mural honoring Ms. Aragon and Ms. Bell. The curriculum for the school year will be learning about the life’s work of both women; restorative justice; and reciprocity. Liz Jackson-Simpson added that the Commission approved the use of the Multi Purpose Room and lobby for these murals. 3. Review and Approval of the Programs Committee Meeting Minutes of January 19, 2011 (ACTION ITEM) · Motion to approve the Programs Committee Minutes of January 19, 2011 by Commissioner Beijen, second by Commissioner Woodson and approved by the rest of the Committee. Minutes approved. 4. Presentation on Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee/Youth for Service by Liz Jackson-Simpson, Executive Director (DISCUSSION ONLY) · The organization started 28 years ago by Superior Court Judges who saw the need to improve the education and vocation for youths returning to the community initially from LCR. It now encompasses youths from the Juvenile Justice system. The organization has four stakeholder programs: 1. Early Morning Studies Academy, which has five campuses and 80% of attendees have graduated; 2. New Directions Employment Program, which is a job readiness training/placement; 3. Beautification Team Express, mandated by the courts, is a place where kids engage in community service; and 4. The newly merged Board of Youth Guidance Center Improvement and Youth for Service, which provides a $25,000 college scholarship for youths who attend college. The organization is looking for volunteers and is currently looking for resources for GED proctors in Juvenile Hall. Proctors must be certified and work for the City College Chief Proctor. The community college is the only entity that administers the GED test. Unit 8 in Juvenile Hall has been certified for testing by the Department of Education. The organization submitted a requisition to get a part-time proctor. A fundraiser will be held on October 2nd at Deerfield Winery to raise money toward this effort. 5. Closed Session Pursuant to the California Constitution Art. 1 Sec. 1 (right of privacy) and Welfare and Institutions Code §827 (confidentiality of juvenile case information): Tour of Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee/Youth for Service (DISCUSSION ONLY) · Motion for closed session by COMM Woodson, second by COMM Jones, approved by the rest of the Committee. Motion approved. 6. Vote on Whether to Disclose Any Portion of Discussion During Closed Session (San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.12(a)) (ACTION ITEM) · Motion to not disclose any portion of discussion during closed session by COMM Beijen and second by COMM Jones. Motion approved. COMM Beijen stated that Chief Siffermann was able to join the meeting at 2:43 p.m. and COMM Woodson had to leave at 3:55 p.m. 7. Adjournment (ACTION ITEM) · The meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m. Meeting Minutes
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COMM Beijen asked about restorative justice after the training, how it is measured, and if youths are making a significant and positive change. Kevin, a student, responded. He was on probation when he entered the GED school. He was grateful to be in the program and it changed his perspective on life. He now has goals, wants to succeed in life, and has seen kids succeed in the program. Harold, Program Manager for Each One Reach One, handles all programs inside Juvenile Hall. They are currently working on playwright programming, which hires professional playwrights to mentor kids for two weeks. Kids complete a one-act play and professional actors are hired to perform these plays. At the end of the program, kids receive a certificate of completion. The experience gives kids the esteem to complete other goals. All the tutors in the program are volunteers. Ms. Jackson-Simpson added that they also provide life skills. Charles, a youth, spoke on behalf of his experience in the program. He learned about the business world, such as etiquette, job requirements, different positions and salaries. He is now a full-time student at City College.
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