Week-long Activities Planned at Miami-Dade County’s Juvenile Justice Center Dec. 6 – 10

Children and Acclaimed Artist Collaborate on Permanent Glass Mosaic
MIAMI, FL — (November 30, 1999) — In 1899, an 11-year-old appeared before a Chicago judge for larceny.  Who would have known that the hearing would lead to the establishment of the nation’s first juvenile court. Today, more than 25,000 kids a year are passing through the doors of Miami-Dade County’s Juvenile Justice Center.

Created because children are developmentally different from adults, and, more importantly, because it provides an institution that can protect and reform our children when all else has failed, the momentous event in American justice is being remembered by Miami-Dade County’s Juvenile Court.

In recognition of the important centennial anniversary, a week-long series of activities — entitled “Building a World Safe for the Dreams of Children” — will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 – 10.   Each day will be devoted to a different theme, including: Health, Education, Family, Community Groups, and Self-Expression.  Demonstrations, performances and booths will be at the Juvenile Justice Center (3300 NW 27th Avenue).

The activities will culminate in the unveiling of a stunning mosaic by renowned artist Xavier Cortada on the facade of the Juvenile Justice Center at 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 10. Inspired by the creations of 500 children in the juvenile justice system, Cortada interpreted a central theme which was then transformed into a 16 x 24 foot mosaic comprised of close to 100,000 glass tiles.

“We will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about these children and to learn how they how they can help them,” said Cindy Lederman, presiding judge of the Miami-Dade Juvenile Court.  “Young offenders can be rehabilitated and child victims need to be protected.

But the children and the courts and many organizations need the help of the community.” “The mosaic and murals are indicative of kids calling out for help,” said Lester Langer, Administrative Judge, Juvenile Division.  “As a community, we must join together to reverse some of the staggering numbers. We need more volunteers and we invite the public to learn first-hand about what the court does and, in turn, how they can help.”

The juvenile court is responsible for delinquent offenses, child abuse and neglect cases, termination of parental rights, emergency medical treatment and CINS/FINS (Children or Families in Need of Services.  It cares for children from infancy to age 18 who have been abused, neglected or abandoned or have committed crimes.

Through the last century, the juvenile court has evolved and many great strides have been achieved, yet statistics tell us there is much more to be done:

42 % of the children in the Dependency Court are ages 6 and under.

In 1999, 25% of all juvenile arrests in America were girls. Children that are abused or neglected increase the likelihood of juvenile arrest by 53%.

In 1998, the Guardian Ad Litem program took in only 41 percent of the new cases because of the lack of volunteers.

According to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, in 1997 more than 3 million children are reported abused or neglected each year and three children die each day as a result of maltreatment.

To fight some of these numbers, there are many Dade County-based organizations and volunteer groups including Guardian Ad Litem, Voices For Children, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Mentors, CHARLEE Program, Children’s Home Society.

Voices For Children, for example, is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support abused, neglected or abandoned children through Miami-Dade County’s Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) volunteer program.  Voices For Children plays a crucial role in heightening local prevention and awareness of these troubling crimes.  It was established in 1984 and has since expanded into a fully functional fund-raising branch, including a governing body.

Major sponsors include Holland & Knight LLP and the Leigh Foundation. For more information on the mosaic or the week-long activities, contact Paul Indelicato at (305) 638-6102 or Judge Scott Bernstein at (305) 638-6238