Our Partnership with the Maine JCCO's

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Friends Of Long Creek was established to help youngsters who have entered and have been detained in the Maine Judicial System find a new path forward. At the same time, if we can intercede before mistakes and bad choices occur, why wait? 

To that end, FOLC has developed a strong and growing relationship with Maine’s Juvenile Community Corrections Officers program to foster positive and healthy behavior with Maine youth at risk. These trained and skilled officers, aka “JCCO’s” are out in the community, on the street and in the schools, and have their hand on the pulse of juvenile behavior. They are dedicated men and women who connect with and relate to the youth, using their ears and eyes to redirect and align behavior with a positive but no-nonsense approach. Good behavior is recognized and rewarded, and it is in this area that FOLC has become a partner and resource to the JCCO effort. 

Under the direction of the Division of Juvenile Services, JCCO’s act as the correctional case managers for juveniles regardless of their status with the legal system. Over 40 Officers work from three regional offices in these Maine counties:

· Region One: Cumberland and York

· Region Two: Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, and Sagadahoc 

· Region Three: Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington 

So how does the FOLC help?

John Coyne, Regional Correctional Administrator/Region 1says, “FOLC have a sincere interest in the youth and families we work with. Consistently we meet and have on going conversations about the needs of our clients.” 

DRIVER’S LICENSES: Through our JCCO meetings we learned that many teens of driving age struggle with the expense of Driver’s Education classes. This is particularly true in central and northern Maine. We recognized that obtaining a driver’s license provides the ability of the individual to have a job and is a big step forward in self-reliance. The FOLC voted to provide funding for those identified by the JCCO’s as qualified candidates who have earned this support. At an average cost of $650 per student, we provided classes to 10 court-involved youth in 2024, and on the same pace or more for 2025.

CREDIBLE MESSENGER: FOLC has coordinated with the Long Creek Youth system to create the Credible Messenger program, where former youth residents in state juvenile detention who were able to turn things around and are now successful in their careers and family life. We have introduced mentors who now work through the JCCO program to speak to youngsters as a “credible” role model, and that there is a path to a better life.  We have more information on the Credible Messenger program by clicking here.

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GIFT CARDS: JCCO’s have found that one way to connect with kids and to recognize them for good behavior, grades, or accomplishments, is by rewarding them with a gift certificate. The most popular – McDonald’s Gift Certificates! It’s a simple gesture, but the JCCO”s report that these positive reinforcements goes a long way with youth. We have been averaging $5000 each year since 2021. 

BASS FISHING EVENTS: JCCO Sean O’Keefe had a vision years ago and presented the concept to the FOLC. That year it culminated in the sponsorship of two fishing trips with Bass Guides for both youth and their JCCOs. This support has grown over the years to include 10 trips yearly and now includes a sanctioned BASS Tournament. It has been defined as a life-changing experience. More than one we’ve heard, “We never once saw a smile on this kid’s face, until now.”

LAPTOPS: FOLC purchased 10 laptop Apple computers, and working closely with the JCCO’s, distributed them to area youth, again carefully chosen by the officers for their positive steps and adjustments in behavior and activities. 

Overall, we have found that our support of the JCCO’s is an investment in a team that is making a real difference at the point of impact, out in the field. The skill of the officers is up to the task of the challenge, building good will and partnerships, steering youth in the right direction. The support of the FOLC gives the JCCO an array of tools and support that help to build trust and break down natural communication barriers.