Section 1: Requires a review of and report concerning probation violations

Section 2: Establishes a jobs program for youth impacted by the youth legal system

Section 3: Requires and fund a state-wide expansion of the truancy clinic program

Section 1: We suggest that young people and families be met with about their experience with probation. It is always a good idea to review data to better understand the effectiveness of having a child on probation and explore other ways to properly support youth.

Section 2: Expansion of employment opportunities for young people who have been impacted by the legal system is a great idea and part of a successful reentry. Young people should be consulted on how to build this program to be effective and increase impact.

Section 3:

• The answer to children being absent from school is not court involvement as this bill suggests. Instead of truancy clinics CT should institute a model like the Hartford Welcome Re-Entry Center and the model of Credible Messengers at Connecticut Junior Republic in Waterbury

• Requiring a child to come to a court date when they are already having trouble attending school is a set up for failure. When a child is struggling with school attendance, being met with a citation to appear in court, instead of a supportive person who understands the situation is a recipe for disaster.

• A probate court judge may not have the particular skill set to work with young people. A credible messenger would

• This burdens parents that have to work and have child care needs with an appearance in court, when there are other ways to handle this

REFORM: Turn this bill into a study that tasks the JJPOC with studying how other states have done this with the goal to expand and enhance current programming to identify additional models that work, including credible messengers.

ABOLISH: Eliminate the option of funneling more youth into the legal system for status offenses

INVEST: Invest in alternatives without restoring to legal sanctions, court oversight, or threat of confinement

DIVERT: Invest in what we know will divert kids from the legal system and allow for pathways of success

Click here for a fact sheet Click here for a fact sheet on S.B. 445