House Bill 1686 will make several important changes to the juvenile court diversion law. The bill has passed the house and senate and is on its way to the governor for signature. The Network hopes to work closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts on an accreditation process for diversion programs accepting accept court referrals. The new law will take effect on January 1st 2011. Below is a link to HB (House Bill) 1686.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1686.html
To read more about the New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network's efforts on House Bill 342, Click here to download the Diversion Commission Report.

Governor John Lynch recently signed House Bill 342 sponsored by State Representative Gilman Shattuck of Hillsborough District 1. The bill establishes a commission to study the Juvenile Court Diversion Law and make recommendations to lawmakers regarding changes. “The New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion law (169-B:10) has not been updated since the 1970’s and it is important that the law reflect current and best practices,” said Representative Shattuck. Peter Brigham, Hillsborough Youth Services Director and primary author of the bill with Representative Shattuck, has identified several areas in the diversion law that should be better defined and expanded on. Brigham praised Shattuck, who serves on the Ways and Means Committee for his understanding of the critical role diversion programs play in containing court costs. There are approximately 30 Juvenile Court Diversion Programs statewide that are responsible for diverting thousands of Juvenile offenders from the court system annually. It is hoped that this legislation will ultimately lead to changes in the juvenile diversion statue that bring consistency and continuity to the diversion process.
The New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network is a coalition of over 30 programs dedicated to helping young offenders. Although the primary focus of diversion is to provide juvenile first offenders with an alternative to court, we also work with families to help prevent delinquency and provide services to youth who have already been through court.
Cathy Steers, NHJCDN Chairperson
C/O Carroll County Restorative Justice Center
448A White Mountain Hwy
Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone 603-323-2399
E-Mail = csteers@tccap.org
Accountability and reparation are the hallmarks of juvenile court diversion. By following the spirit of Restorative Justice we involve the victim and the community in the justice process and make the offender accountable for repairing the harm he/she caused. These positive interactions, combined with education, can help offenders make positive and constructive choices in their lives.
http://www.connectwithyourkids.org/
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The primary goal of our members is to reduce the number of youth who re-offend. Our goals as an organization are to:
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