Mr. Dimino’s Introduction to Criminal Justice & Ethics class offers in-depth information and experiences through seminars and speeches from experts at various agencies. Recently, the class welcomed Gayle Kaufman, Senior Program Coordinator at Somerset County Juvenile Institutional Services and Adjunct Professor at Raritan Valley College, who spoke to our students about her duties and responsibilities. She spoke via Zoom about the many services and programs offered by her office, which include juvenile detention placement, stationhouse adjustment programs, and family services.

During the video conference, the students learned a great deal about the inner workings of the juvenile justice system in our area. Ms. Kaufman emphasized that the main goal of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate the juvenile. She informed the students that as a result of the programs enacted over the past years, juvenile detention rates have dropped significantly within the county. She also highlighted the inter-county relationships of her office, which serves Hunterdon and Warren counties in addition to Somerset, and works closely with Union and Middlesex counties on a number of issues, especially those regarding juvenile detention.

Students were engaged and asked many questions throughout the virtual meeting. Immaculata is very grateful to Ms. Kaufman for sharing her professional experience and knowledge with our students!