Juvenile Review Board (cont'd)

Additionally the purpose of the Juvenile Review Board (JRB) is to provide an alternative for juveniles who have violated school truancy policies within the Town of North Stonington public schools and are first time offenders. The goal is to provide a plan for each individual by utilizing community programs, services and other resources, which will effectively deal with the particular incident, assist in positive development and encourage responsible behavior.

Staffing
Members of the review board will consist of a resident state trooper, a school representative, the town's youth recreation director, juvenile court probation officer, three at-large members and one alternate at-large member appointed by the Selectmen. The Resident State Trooper(s) will act as coordinators of the diversion program.

Process
The Resident Trooper(s) may refer cases to the Review Board, in lieu of Juvenile Court.  The Resident Trooper(s) will present to the youth and his/her family this alternative to Juvenile Court and then report the family's decision back to the Review Board.  When the family and juvenile agree to the diversion alternative, the Chairperson will be responsible for over-seeing that agreement and reporting back to the Review Board which will hear the case at it's next meeting.

The Review Board will meet every month, unless modified by the entire Board.  Cases will be presented by the Resident Trooper(s), including recommendations made by the investigating officer.  The case is then open for discussion.  The Review Board will decide upon a recommendation that will be offered as an alternative to referral to Juvenile Court.