A young person’s first contact with the justice system should not depend on the city or town where it happens. Yet in Rhode Island, that is still too often the case.
For some children accused of wrongdoing, a first offense can lead quickly to Family Court, where even a closed juvenile process can become frightening and lasting. For others, the path leads to alocal juvenile hearing board, where they may write a letter of apology, attend counseling, repair harm, complete community service or reconnect with school before the mistake hardens into a court record.
Rhode Island’s framework reflects a commitment to the latter path, known as diversion. State law establishes juvenile hearing boards as community-based alternatives to formal court involvement and provides for statewide coordination, training and data collection. The Department of Children, Youth and Families also administers aYouth Diversion Program offering case management, counseling, mediation, school advocacy and family support to youth ages 9 through 17…