Close To Home Program

Non-Secure Placement

St. John’s has two Non-Secure Placement residences on our main campus in Rockaway Park, that provide long-term, residential and supportive services for adolescent males placed by Family Court. Each residence accommodates twelve males.  The program is connected to the city-wide initiative called “Close to Home” which allows young people who have committed a delinquent act to be treated and rehabilitated closer to their communities.

The Close to Home law, which was proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and passed by the state legislature, allows youth from New York City who have committed less serious offenses to be placed in intensive treatment programs within the five boroughs, enabling their parents and caregivers to participate in their rehabilitation and to earn New York City Department of Education school credits toward graduation. The goal of the programs is to keep parents closely involved to ensure success when their child returns home.

Non-Secure Placement Aftercare

When a youth is ready to return home, St. John’s Non-Secure Detention’s Aftercare program will provide three to six months of intensive support services. During this period, the After-Care Life Coach will assist the youth with transitioning back into their community, family, and school while adhering to the conditions of their release.