(a)(1) The Judicial Branch shall develop a continuum of community-based programs for the reduction of delinquency among juveniles. When appropriate, the Judicial Branch shall coordinate such programs with the Department of Children and Families, the State Department of Education, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services, and any other agencies as necessary.

Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 46b-121k

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.

(2) The continuum of community-based programs shall be designed to address the individual risks and needs of juveniles, shall have the capacity to take into account each juvenile’s history, age, maturity and social development, gender, mental health, alcohol or drug use, need for structured supervision and other characteristics, and shall be culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and provided in the least restrictive environment possible in a manner consistent with public safety. The Judicial Branch shall develop programs that provide research and evidence-based skills-training and assistance to promote independent living skills, positive activities and social connections in the juveniles’ home communities and to address: (A) Anti-sociality, impulse control and behavioral problems; (B) anger management and nonviolent conflict resolution; (C) alcohol and drug use and dependency; (D) mental health needs; (E) inappropriate sexual behavior; (F) family engagement; (G) academic disengagement; and (H) technical and vocational training needs.

(b) The Judicial Branch may establish or contract to establish secure and staff-secure residential facilities for juveniles referred by the court. Such facilities shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of § 17a-145.

(c) The Judicial Branch, as part of a publicly bid contract, may include a requirement that the contractor provide for space necessary for juvenile probation offices and other staff of the Court Support Services Division to perform their duties.

(d) The Judicial Branch may consult with the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System established pursuant to § 51-10c to address the needs of minorities in the juvenile justice system.