The Lackawanna County School Based Community Justice Program began in the fall of 1998 with increasing reports and confirmations by local law and state law enforcement that youth across Lackawanna County in both public and private school were using and selling drugs. After an investigative grand jury subpoenaed over 200 local students resulting in the arrest of 5 juveniles and 2 adults, the District Attorney's Office began to investigate a manner in which school districts and the District Attorney's Office can work in a collaborative effort to exchange information. This collaborative effort would work to deescalate situations in a proactive approach to reducing crime and increasing the quality of life for students attending each respective public school district in Lackawanna County.

What is School-Based Community Justice in Lackawanna County Lackawanna County?
School Based Community Justice is a problem-solving/information sharing activity that takes place between the school district and the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office. The overall goal of the School-Based Community Justice initiative is to remove the barriers to learning for all school students in Lackawanna County by reducing crime and increasing the safety and security of all school students.

How Does it Work and When Does it Take Place?
Assistant District Attorneys from the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office meet with local school official, local law enforcement, parents, and student representatives in an information sharing process on a monthly basis in each of the respective school districts. This collaborative effort is designed to link the education system, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and the community. At the commencement of the 2000/2001 school year the program expanded to address delinquent and at-risk youth, to the entire school population to address and acknowledge both the positive efforts of students, and work cohesively with those students perceived to be at-risk or currently involved with the juvenile justice system. This approach is designed to promote a positive atmosphere in which students can learn without the fear of violence and drugs/alcohol.

In addition to the monthly meetings the Assistant District Attorney will respond to a request to come to the school for school sponsored events, school activities, and when an incident of violence or a questionable criminal incident has occurred. The Assistant DA has always been available to the school district.

For more information contact:
1st Assistant DA
Gene Talerico

Email: talericog@lackawannacounty.org
Phone: 570-963-6717