Press Release - November 14, 2002
Office of the Commissioner of Probation

PROBATION PROGRAM WHICH TARGETS TEEN VIOLENCE
TO DEBUT AT NORTH READING HIGH

          The Violence: Choices and Consequences Program, a joint venture of the Woburn District Court Probation Department and the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association, will be introduced for the first time in the state to students at North Reading High School on Friday, November 15, at 8:45 a.m.

          This educational seminar, brought to the school by Woburn District Court Probation Officer Dennis Visconti, focuses on violent crimes committed by youths such as assault and battery, domestic abuse, possession of weapons, and gang and group violence.

         “Violence among youths is increasing and a program like this is sorely needed,” said Visconti who worked with the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association to develop this program.

          The 70-minute program confronts participants with the realities of the life-long physical and emotional pain of life with brain injury for survivors and their families which may result from violence, according to Visconti. The program features a presentation, film, and discussion. Participants explore the factors that contribute to violence such as alcohol and drug abuse as well as the connection to growing up in a family who has a history of violence.

          “The goal of the program is to reduce violence-related brain injury by reducing recidivism rates for youths and young adults who are at risk for violent behavior,” Visconti said.

           Visconti also coordinates the “Brains at Risk” Program, a drug and alcohol prevention initiative, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association.

           The Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of the Massachusetts Trial Court. There are 12 Superior Court, 70 District Court, and 12 Probate & Family Court probation offices throughout the Commonwealth. Probation’s Juvenile Court system includes 11 divisions which represent every county in the state. The Office of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP) serves as the central administrative office for the state Probation Service and the Office of Community Corrections which operates 23 Community Corrections Centers throughout the state.