Justice Fried Hosts First Annual "Courtroom to Classroom"

More than 100 Local Leaders Attend Judicial Summit on Youth

SPRING VALLEY, NY - Looking to reduce crime by preventing crime, Spring Valley Justice David Fried hosted Rockland’s first-ever "Courtroom to Classroom: A Judicial Summit on Youth." Highlighting his youth recidivism prevention efforts, Justice Fried convened community leaders, non-profits, clergy, educators, and legal experts at the summit.

"One of the best ways to prevent the serious crimes of tomorrow is to intervene today," said Justice Fried. "Too often I see defendants in my courtroom who run the risk of beginning their lives with the blemish of a criminal record. A mistake of youth shouldn't define someone's life. It is the re-sponsibility of the criminal justice system to help put defendants on the right track."

Also attending the summit was Virginia State Senator David Mardsen. Senator Mardsen is a leader in the Commonwealth's efforts to reduce youth recidivism.

"I greatly appreciate Justice Fried's invitation to this summit," said Senator Mardsen. "Anytime that I can learn about successful initiatives is a worthwhile opportunity. I was very pleased to share my experiences from Virginia with the Rockland County community. I applaud Justice Fried for identi-fying new ways to fight recidivism and redirect youth offenders to a life of value and consequence."

In his comments, Fried noted that several defendants have already achieved significant benchmarks, securing GEDs and completing substance abuse programs. Marie Clerjeune, the mother of a partici-pant in the youth diversion program had praise for the initiative. "Without this program, my son would have limited opportunities for the future. Because of Justice Fried, my son earned his diploma and is on a better track."

The summit highlighted two critical topics: (1) involving defendants with meaningful community service projects, and (2) identifying resources that can help young defendants access support ser-vices. Fried has appointed a Youth Case Manager, Richard Deere, who oversees defendant compli-ance with sentences and court ordered conditions. Mr. Deere said, “My goal is to work with the court, prosecution, and defense to increase the likelihood that once the defendant leaves Justice Fried’s court, he or she never returns again in the future with some new charge.” Youth Case Man-ager Deere presently works with thirty defendants.

Justice Fried concluded the summit by announcing the creation of a Community Service Taskforce as well as a Working Group to Reduce Youth Recidivism. Both groups will meet monthly.