Marymount Manhattan students visited the Brooklyn Treatment Court to Learn About Alternative Treatment Programs

This program, known as the Brooklyn Treatment Court (BTC), is located on the 14th floor of the Brooklyn Supreme Court Building and offers an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent, substance-abusing offenders. The presiding judge, the Honorable Jo Ann Ferdinand, has been running this court for many years. The students first met with Program Director Joe Madonia, MSW for an overview of this successful problem solving court. They learned of the program’s many resources that include referrals to drug treatment and on-site educational and vocational services. 

The students were then invited into the courtroom to take seats in the jury box. During the next few hours they watched the day’s court proceedings. They even had the opportunity to meet with Judge Ferdinand. One student summed it up - “awesome, a tribute to Judge Ferdinand, Director Madonia, the case workers and everyone involved.

Published: March 20, 2013