RISE
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RISE is part of the Juvenile Justice Services program.
The Police Athletic League's RISE program offers services to teenagers (16-19) that are presently involved within, or have previously been involved with the criminal court system. Unlike most states wherein teenage offenders remain in Family Court through the age of 18, New York State views teenagers, 16 & over, as adults and therefore are processed through the criminal court system rather than juvenile court.
The RISE program has two tracks in which teenagers may participate: a structured, mandated track and a voluntary/drop in service track. Services within both tracks include, but are not limited to: individual counseling, life skills workshops, job-readiness training & placement, identification replacements, and educational & housing referrals. The goal of the RISE program is to ensure that each participant secures employment and/or returns to school, thus reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
Program Components
Pre-Release
RISE staff will conduct outreach on Rikers Island on a weekly basis through individual counseling and group workshops. Forming trusting relationships with youth prior to their release increases the likelihood that youth will continue to work with RISE staff following their release. Also, in cases where housing is an issue, RISE staff can help to make sure proper referrals are secured prior to youth's release.
Post-Release
Track 1: Teenagers that are referred directly from the NYC Department of Probation will participate in a highly structured program as terms of their probation. Participants, in conjunction with RISE staff, will set a list of goals reflective of the needs and wants of the teenager. A RISE counselor will then work closely with participants as they set forth to achieve those goals. Weekly individual meetings will be held to monitor progress as well as discuss any obstacles youth may be facing in achieving set goals. Weekly group workshops that educate and enhance social development will also be offered in the areas of anger management, peer pressure, drug & alcohol awareness, gang prevention, job-readiness, job retention, budgeting and parenting skills. Workshops are geared to help promote responsibility and positive social interaction. RISE staff will provide progress reports to probation officers detailing youths' participation while in the program. Participants may be enrolled for up to one year before they are placed in after-care supervision.
Track 2: Although most youth are mandated to RISE by the Department of Probation, many teenagers who are released from Rikers Island, and are not under the supervision of probation, are eligible for services as well. These teens may participate in Track 1 if they wish, but may also request services on a voluntary/as needed basis through Track 2.
After-Care
After achieving set goals and graduating from the program, youth may continue to reach out for services should they feel extra assistance is necessary. Graduates of the program will also be monitored for at least a year to document all progress as well as any potential setbacks.
Current RISE Site
441 Manhattan Avenue
New York, NY 10026
Tel: (212) 665-8699 Ext: 216
Robert Bryan, MSW
For further information about the RISE program, please contact:
Mr. Bobby Ferazi, Director of Juvenile Justice & Re-Entry Services at (212) 433-0523.