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Emmy Award Winning Video
 District Attorney Carol Chambers is known for being tough on crime. She doesn't stop there. Carol is just as passionate about prevention programs to keep people out of the criminal justice system. Carol has put a significant amount of energy and resources into our Juvenile Diversion Program. She hires innovative, creative and dedicated people who continually develop new programs. One counselor, Joy Zarra, has done just that with a PSA program called Uninterrupted. Uninterrupted won an Emmy for best Community /Public Service Campaign Saturday Night, July 20.District Attorney Carol Chambers says she is proud of the program, "When we prevent crime everyone wins. Congratulations to our Juvenile Diversion Program, The Network DC and especially to Joy Zarra for all of their work in reaching teens. The Emmy is well deserved."
The Teen Media Project was inspired by the teens in the juvenile diversion counseling program. Over the years while working as a JD counselor, Joy noticed a pattern/problem while counseling and working with the adolescent clients; the problem was an expansion of the communication gap between parents and adolescents. The busy day-to-day life of adults left adolescents feeling even more alone, misunderstood, and upset. The advancement of technology and the emergence of a more 'in your face' culture left parents and adults weary and untrusting of youth. All the teens wanted was somebody to level with them and listen.
In general if there is a problem in the Arapahoe/Douglas counties, it is mostly likely a problem in other areas. So Joy wanted to spread a message that, no matter what teens are going through, it is above all important to listen to what they have to say even if you do not agree with it. This message, she realized, is just as important to apply to all relationships. Somewhere along the line we became too busy to listen. The greatest thing? Teens have great advice to share! Joy approached The Network Douglas County's Jim Kellett and David Schler with her idea. Jim and David told her they'd been wanting to do something at their station with teens but didn't know exactly what; this was the perfect fit.
They began filming approximately two months later and "Uninterrupted" was born. The name of the PSA's was inspired by a teen living at a boy's home who said during an interview, "Joy I am so glad you are putting this message out there for teens. It feels good to talk to an adult without being interrupted". The process of filming the PSA's was very important. Joy made sure each teen felt at ease and comfortable to share their personal views and opinions. While filming there were minimal people in the room and the footage you see are the teen's responses to Joy's questions. The result? The teens overcame their initial nervousness, felt great about themselves, and contributed to spreading a positive message to peers and adults. The goal is to now continue working with teens and media in an effort to expand this project globally.
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18th Judicial District
News & Upcoming Events The Citizen's Academy A free, four-week course that demystifies the criminal justice system and provides an inside look at your District Attorney's Office. The Citizens Academy is open to the public. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Reporting a Crime Contact the Law Enforcement Agency where the crime occurred. Click here for a complete Agency Listing for the 18th Judicial District. E-Mail the D.A.
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