The Juvenile Review Board works with the local and State Police to reduce juvenile crime in Colchester. Meetings are not public.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To offer a range of meaningful alternatives to the Criminal Justice System and to assist the school district in enforcing their discipline policies through intervention strategies that are responsible and community based.
PURPOSE:
The Review Board will design and offer alternatives that are aimed at: 1) promoting responsible behavior by offenders and 2) solving problems that may be at the root of the delinquent behavior, 3) and where possible, take into consideration the needs of the victim.
MEMBERS:
The Review Board will consist of professionals recruited by the CJRB. A member of the Juvenile Review Board shall be appointed Chair of the Board.
Professionals who work with Colchester youth are bound by the confidentiality policies as defined by Colchester Youth Services and by State Law, Chapter 899 in the Connecticut General Statutes.
PROCESS:
In delinquency cases, the Investigating Officer may refer the case to the Colchester Resident State Trooper. If the Resident Trooper determines that the case is appropriate for Juvenile Review Board handling, he/she will contact the parents or legal guardians alerting them to the situation and informing them that the case will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Review Board.
In cases of school referrals, the School Administrator will make the referral directly to the Juvenile Review Board or Resident Trooper.
Parents wishing to make referral regarding their own children for incorrigible but non-criminal conduct may call Colchester Youth Services for that assistance.
The Review Board will meet monthly. Cases will be presented by the Resident State Troopers or his designee, and/or the CJRB Caseworker. The case is then open for discussion. The Review Board will decide upon a recommendation that will be offered as an alternative to the justice system. The presentation may include information on the offender’s social environment, emotional health and well being.
DIVERSION ALTERNATIVES:
The Review Board will attempt to develop personalized intervention strategies that facilitate solving the problems of the youth and his/her family and promote responsible behavior. These alternatives will include, but not be limited to: counseling, family counseling, financial restitution, community service, and educational programs. All cases where the diversion alternative is not accepted or not complied with will be sent back to the referral source.
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