juvenile justice

In 2015 then CCBF Trustee Ron Turo, Esquire approached the Foundation about funding a program to shed public light on the incredible work being done in the County's Juvenile Justice System. Turo, the Juvenile Defender for Cumberland County for over 20 years, realized that the public knew little about what programs, procedures and successes occurred inside this mostly secretive system. The Foundation enthusiastically gave a green light to the Project.

Reaching out to all of the County High Schools, Turo put together a team of High School Juniors who would begin the process of creating a message to their peers about the importance of NOT being involved with the Juvenile Justice System. They worked together over two academic years and ultimately produced a series of videos and on line messages aimed at other students and their families.

At the same time WITF, the public media station in Central Pennsylvania, entered into a contract with the Foundation to produce content on all levels about the JJ system. With unprecedented access, WITF reporters attended sessions of Juvenile Court, interviewed probation officers, Judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers and participants. After more than one year of intense observations and interviews, WITF produced a documentary for TV, a series of broadcasts for radio and on line content. The series received critical acclaim and award nominations for Emmys!!!