The Juvenile Review Board shall be appointed
by the Mayor with the consent of the Common Council for a term of
three years, with the following phase-in: four shall serve one-year
terms; three shall serve two-year terms; and the remainder of the
Board shall serve three-year terms. Commencing in September 2006,
the four one-year terms shall become three-year terms, and commencing
in September 2007, the three two-year terms shall become three-year
terms.
The Juvenile Review Board shall consist of not
fewer than nine nor more than 14 members, including the following
representation:
A. Not less than one member from the Middletown Police
Department Youth Division;
B. Not less than one member from a faith-based organization;
C. Not less than two members who may consist of a school
social worker and/or a school guidance counselor as appointed by the
Superintendent of Schools;
D. Not less than one member who is the Truant Officer
for the school system, as appointed by the Superintendent of Schools;
E. Not less than one member from the Middletown Youth
Services Bureau;
F. Not less than one member who is a Juvenile Court representative;
and
G. Not less than two members from local social service
agencies.
Quorum for the meeting will consist of five
active members.
The Juvenile Review Board has the authority,
as conveyed and deemed appropriate by the Police Department, to receive
and review for disposition, assessment, and treatment planning all
juvenile cases. The Board shall maintain records to document the volume
of juveniles that come in contact with the police, trends in types
of incidence, and other information that would be helpful in planning
appropriate prevention and intervention responses to support youth
and their families. Referrals to the Juvenile Review Board may be
made from designated personnel from the Police Department, Middletown
public and/or private schools, court, and other agencies that are
concerned and have authority and interests for the welfare of juveniles
and their families. The Board shall keep confidential records of its
proceedings, which shall be kept on file in the Youth Services Bureau.
The Juvenile Review Board shall be focused on referring juvenile offenders
to a network of community-based agencies that may provide, but are
not limited to, such services as anger management, family counseling,
substance abuse education, assessment and treatment for substance
abuse, specialized services for domestic violence, community service
opportunities, and collaboration with the local school system for
tutoring, special education services, and truancy prevention. The
process may also provide opportunities for victim input in a restorative
justice model. The Board will strive to help the City's youth become
productive, law-abiding citizens.