I support Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s op-ed regarding the warehousing of our youth in upstate facilities and the need for reform (“Juvie Injustice,” PostOpinion, March 19).

I created rehabilitative programs to divert youths from entering institutions and provide re-entry services as they return to their communities.

One program is Gender-responsive Re-entry Assistance and Support Program (GRASP).

Our recidivism rate is 18 percent for GRASP participants, compared to 81 percent for young offenders sent upstate, and our cost is $5,000 a participant compared to $250,000. Youths who have committed predatory sexual offenses or arson are excluded from consideration in the GRASP program.

After re-entry into the community, each participant receives comprehensive services and support for 6 to 12 months.

These types of programs should become part of any reform of the juvenile-justice system.

Charles J. Hynes

Kings County

District Attorney

Brooklyn