Mineola, NY - With Nassau County Legislators Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) and Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) leading the way, members of the Legislature held a public hearing to review current practices and procedures at the county's Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) in Westbury.

The JDC, which houses approximately three dozen youths, has recently come under scrutiny following allegations that group aides working at the Center solicited protection money from parents of youthful offenders to ensure the safety of their children. The group aides have since been fired.

Legislator Scannell, chair of the Legislature's Public Safety Committee, and Legislator Corbin, chair of the Health Committee and in whose district the Juvenile Center lies, called the hearing to gather information on everything from the physical plant to security at the facility, to staffing at the Center and the preparation of meals.

While a January 2002 letter from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) documents compliance at the Center, noting that the facility is at full staffing levels and the overall condition of the building is clean and well maintained, Legislators Scannell and Corbin said they wanted to hear first-hand from officials who are familiar with the Center's operation.

"Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure the safety and well-being of these young adults while they are at the Juvenile Center," said Legislator Scannell. "At a time when the future of these individuals hangs in the balance, we want to make sure that the Juvenile Detention Center does not do anything to unfairly tip the scales of justice against them."

John Blatny, director of the JDC, testified that while there have been many improvements at the Center in recent years, the one weak link is the compensation package that is offered to employees. He explained that entry-level group aides, who may be responsible for up to eight children at any one time, make $20,000 annually.

Under questioning by Legislators, Mr. Blatny said that meals, which are shipped from the Nassau County jail, are frequently unappealing to the younger offenders. Officials are investigating other options for preparation of the meals, including utilizing a kitchen at the JDC.

Robert Sherman, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services and Anthony Cancellieri, deputy county executive in charge of overseeing public safety issues said officials are also considering moving the JDC to a building on the grounds of the Nassau County jail since the JDC will soon be in need of substantial repairs.

Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin said he would be opposed to moving the JDC to the jail property. "I do not believe that youthful offenders should be incarcerated anywhere near adults serving time in the County's Correctional Center," said Legislator Corbin. "I think it would be extremely detrimental to these kids. They should not be subjected to any influence that can be considered to be negative." We need to know that the Center and its employees are doing everything in their power to maintain a professional atmosphere and set an example for these impressionable young adults."

Following the hearing, Legislator Scannell said that there appears to be a drastic need for in-house service training for supervisors who interact with children; higher qualifications to be applied during the hiring process; exploring the quality of food at the Center; and bringing bathroom facilities to each bedroom or dorm so those at the Center don't have to leave the room to use the facilities.

Legislator Scannell said the information gathered at the hearing will be compiled in a report to the administration within 60 days. The administration will also process a report and a meeting will be called with the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Family and Children's Services to discuss follow-up.