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What’s New At DJJ

New “VisuVisit” Program Allows Families To Visit Residents Via TV

The DJJ Re-Entry Unit is turning to modern technology in an effort to increase family visitation of residents by creating the “VisuVisit” program, which allows family members to see and talk with an incarcerated relative via a pre-scheduled Skype-like two-way video feed. Re-Entry Unit Coordinator Ashaki McNeil coordinated the VisuVisit program after hearing about the video visitation available to families through visits with the parole officers. Through VisuVisit, families will have a set day and time available to visit with their children in the JCC. VisuVisit is designed to be a virtual form of the agency’s visitation program. Because the days are planned, families can travel a short distance to a community site on a weekly basis, thus eliminating the hassle of scheduling visits during school or other scheduled activities. DJJ is working to expand the program throughout the Southwest region of Virginia and in the city of Danville.

Southside Virginia Community College, DJJ Sign Dual Enrollment Agreement

Officials from DJJ and Southside Virginia Community College in Alberta, VA, recently signed a Dual Enrollment Agreement (DEA) establishing a partnership that will afford residents the opportunity to experience double success prior to release from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Residents who enroll in a Career and Technical Education class at Yvonne B. Miller High School are eligible for college-level classes that include Beauty Salon Assistant, Computer Information Systems, Computer Information Systems/Advanced, Principles of Business and Marketing, Marketing, Keyboarding Applications, Word Processing, and Career Investigation I and II. Residents must meet SVCC’s admission and course placement requirements, which include the completion of an application for admission the completion and receipt of satisfactory scores on the college's placement tests. The dual enrollment agreement will allow residents to obtain college credits while earning credits toward a high school diploma or a GED. Attending the signing from SVCC were Recruitment Specialist Freddie Reekes, President John J. Cavan, and Provost Dr. Al Roberts. Attending from DJJ were Director Mark Gooch, Yvonne B. Miller High School Principal George Drewry, Re-Entry Coordinator Ashaki McNeil, and Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator Velma Briggs.

Quilts Made By Culpeper JCC Residents Donated to Veterans Hospital

Quilts made by the Culpeper Juvenile Correctional Center (JCC) students of instructor Roy Mitchell were recently donated the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond. Culpeper JCC Superintendent Kathryn Dickerson and Mitchell presented the military-themed quilts to Janell Giles, the hospital’s voluntary service specialist. Mitchell teaches what is believed to be the only quilting class offered in a male juvenile detention facility in the country.