Bill > B26-0186

This bill establishes a comprehensive support program for justice-involved youth in the District of Columbia, designed to help young offenders successfully complete alternative legal agreements like deferred disposition or prosecution agreements. The program will serve up to 50 youth at a time, with each participant assigned a "Trusted Adult" who has professional qualifications in areas like behavioral health, social work, or youth programming. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will identify and refer the highest-risk, highest-need youth to the program, considering factors such as prior offenses, school performance, and housing stability. The Trusted Adult will provide extensive support to participants, including help with school attendance, transportation, healthcare appointments, accessing social services, academic tutoring, and planning for future opportunities. The program requires monthly communication between the Trusted Adult, probation officer, and OAG to track the youth's compliance. If a participant substantially fails to meet the agreement's terms, OAG can revoke the alternative agreement and proceed with standard legal consequences. The bill aims to provide intensive, personalized support to help young people avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system by addressing their comprehensive needs and supporting their successful reintegration into the community.

Justice

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0186