Bill > H1247

This bill establishes a system for diverting certain children from further court processing in the juvenile justice system, aiming to promote their well-being and ensure efficient use of state resources. It defines key terms like "Assessment," which is a comprehensive evaluation of a child's needs in areas such as education, health, and social services, and "Official designee," a community program representative approved by a juvenile court judge to help screen children for diversion. The bill grants juvenile courts the jurisdiction to divert children who are facing charges and have received a recommendation for diversion. Probation officers will conduct an "Assessment" before a child's arraignment to help judges decide if diversion is appropriate, with the possibility of a short continuance for further evaluation. If a child is deemed eligible for diversion, proceedings will be paused for 90 days, during which the child must consent to the terms and waive their right to a speedy trial, with all information gathered during this process kept confidential and inadmissible in future court proceedings. The bill also outlines the role of the Commissioner of Probation in certifying and overseeing diversion programs, and establishes an advisory board composed of various state officials and experts to assist in this process.