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Spotlight on the Juvenile Review Board
One of the largest programs offered by DYS is the Juvenile Review Board (JRB), which serves nearly 85 youth and families each year. The JRB offers meaningful alternatives to the criminal justice system through community-based intervention strategies. The board is comprised of professionals involved in caring for youth, with representation from DYS, local police departments, the juvenile court system, schools, social workers and members of the community.
Youth under the age of 18 who have committed a misdemeanor offense are referred to the JRB case manager. The JRB designs and offers alternatives that are aimed at promoting responsible behavior by offenders and solving problems that may be at the root of delinquent behavior. Interventions include counseling, tutoring, extracurricular activities, substance abuse prevention, volunteering as well as regular check-ins, all managed by the DYS case manager. If the youth and family comply with the diversion alternative, they will not have to appear in court and the youth will not have a juvenile record regarding the offense.
The parent of a JRB client shared the following testimonial describing their success with the program:
I would like to express our gratitude as a family to DYS because, through your JRB program, my son was able to make positive changes in his life. You offered us a guide that amid our daily routine, parents cannot see. You showed us the way forward when we felt that these types of problems have no solution. Our whole family was feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to respond and help our children. You made the problem that my son was involved in become a point of opportunity for improvement, not only for him, but your help and support reached our entire family.
With the first interview, the JRB was able to understand what was needed and gave us guidelines on how to handle the situation, which was very helpful to me as a mother. The case manager helped us locate activities and tutoring, provided important financial support, and was always willing to help and prompt to respond to our concerns.
The most important thing I see and appreciate about the JRB is the follow-up they do in each case, by checking in and asking how it is going. They don’t pressure the youth but offer to help and bring about encouraging change for our boys.
After months of working with DYS, my son has made helpful modifications. He enjoys his extracurricular activity, he takes advantage of the tutoring provided so his grades are improving and he is working on controlling his emotions with his therapist. We are grateful to DYS for helping him make these positive changes.
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