Pubdate: Tue, 28 Dec 2004
Source: News Transcript (NJ)
Copyright: 2004 GMN
Contact:  http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3409
Author: Dave Benjamin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

STUDENTS' THOUGHTFULNESS WILL HELP COMFORT CHILDREN

FREEHOLD -- Being plucked from your home can be a scary matter, especially 
if you're a small child.

Children must be removed from homes where there is drug abuse, parental 
neglect, domestic problems or physical abuse. With that in mind, Freehold 
High School seniors Jessica Small, Alissa Goetz, Inna Basanskaya and Sarah 
Kallish are addressing that matter with the cooperation of the Freehold 
Borough police.

"When the police remove a child from a home during a DYFS (Division of 
Youth and Family Services) complaint, the child leaves with only the 
clothing he or she is wearing," said Nick Tabor, National Honor Society 
adviser. "The students prepared backpacks with personal items like shampoo, 
soap and washcloths so the child [who has to leave on the spur of the 
moment] has the necessities he needs."

Tabor said the backpacks are being given to Police Chief Michael F. 
Beier-schmitt.

"They're going to be put in the back of police cars," Jessica explained. 
"When the kids are pulled out of their homes they're given the items right 
away."

Tabor said he told the students about a similar program in Essex County. He 
said they decided to try the same kind of program in Freehold. He said 
research indicated there are DYFS complaints in the borough and throughout 
Monmouth County.

Tabor said the students set up collection points and put up fliers. After 
the students collected the items they packed the backpacks that will 
eventually be given to children who are facing the prospect of being taken 
out of their homes.

"There's even a personal note in the backpack," he said. "There are 
personal products like shampoo, soap, a washcloth and towel, a small toy 
and some of the bags have lollipops and crayons."

The students packed 12 backpacks; one for each of the borough's nine patrol 
cars and three extras. Tabor said the students are prepared to do more if 
needed, and they hope to let other students in the Freehold Regional High 
School District know about the project.

"Maybe they'll spread the news into Freehold Township, Howell and the 
surrounding areas," said Tabor. "We don't know what kind of experience the 
other townships have had with DYFS."

In comments to the FHS students, Beierschmitt said, "Unfortunately, young 
kids get caught up in domestic violence and/or abuse. It's a horrible thing 
and I thank you for the backpacks. I'm sure the kids will [thank you], too. 
They're greatly appreciated. It makes our job a lot easier and it's great 
to have the community support from young adults at our high school here in 
Freehold."

The project organizers thanked their fellow students for supporting the 
effort to fill the backpacks. The backpacks were donated by Blimpie 
restaurant on South Street.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D