Tonight is National Night Out

Tonight the town of Hamden will hold its 27th annual National Night Out from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rochford Field, 574 Newhall St., across from the former Hamden Middle School.

National Night Out is an annual event promoting crime and drug prevention that is held internationally and in thousands of communities. For the past two years, Hamden has ranked in the top 40 National Night Out events.

Susan Rubino, Hamden Youth Services Coordinator, said that this year’s topic for the evening will focus on juvenile justice and the introduction of the town's new .

The new program is starting in Hamden this year and is part of a coalition with the New Haven Family Alliance, the Hamden community, the Hamden Board of Education, and the Hamden Police Department. Hamden Youth Services will fund this “diversion program” which focuses on first time, nonviolent offenders. Instead of being sent to court, these minors will go before the Juvenile Review Board and will not have a criminal record.

“The whole point of the board is for the youth to learn from their mistakes," Rubino said. "The idea was based on the BARJ philosophy meaning Balanced and Restorative Justice.”

She said that the board can be seen as “tougher than court,” as offenders do not simply receive punishment fitting their crime. Perpetrators speak with their victims and come to understand how their crime affects others and the community.

The offender’s parents become involved and the board “places special emphasis on academics,” Rubino said. A primary concern of the board will be truancy, she said.  

“This will hopefully prevent kids from falling through the cracks," Rubino added. "They have made mistakes and a lot of the time it’s caused by peer pressure or stress at home. The board tries to look at each child holistically.”

Because of the board’s approach, Rubino said, recidivism rates -- the number of youths who will reoffend -- will be very low. In addition, the court system will not be as clogged with smaller cases, she said.

The advisory board, panel, and case manager will include men and women living and working in Hamden including attorneys, clergy, and Board of Education representatives, Rubino said , and it is very important that the board fits to the Hamden community.   

Sponsored by Target, Hamden’s National Night Out is an event for residents of all ages. The evening will include free activities such as local entertainment, a cook out, arts and crafts, face painting, moon bounces, a dunk tank, community resources, and giveaways.

“It’s our biggest event for Youth Services during the year," Rubino said. "The Police Department has the opportunity to get to know the community in a positive way and young people get to see the friendly face behind the uniform.

“It’s a great night for people to check out Hamden’s resources, to learn about the community, and to have free, safe fun," she said.