Juvenile Review Board

What is the Juvenile Review Board? 

The Juvenile Review Board (JRB) is a positive and meaningful alternative to the juvenile justice system for youth who have committed minor delinquent acts. The program utilizes restorative justice principles and focuses on strengthening ties to the community by providing support and positive role models to encourage positive community behavior. Youths may be referred to the JRB by school resource officers, local police, or the Juvenile Court. The program is voluntary and all services are confidential. Participants appear before a panel of local volunteers to take responsibility for their actions and formulate a plan to repair their relationship with the community. Upon successful completion of the program, the youth involved will not have any juvenile court record of the offense. 

Principles Used by the JRB: 

The JRB uses principles from Balance and Restorative Justice: 

  • The youth can take responsibility for their actions. 
  • The aim is not to punish, but rather to repair the harm done to the community.
  • Moves the youth from a liability to an asset in the community. 
  • Treat any underlying needs the youth may have.
  • Focus on the strengths of the youth.

Possible interventions the JRB may recommend: 

  • Individual, family, and/or group counseling 
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Referrals for clinical evaluations 
  • Community service/volunteer work 
  • Mentoring
  • Academic contracts/school check-ins
  • Apology letter/reflective essays
  • Pro-social activities: educational, sports, arts, college prep programs 
  • Educational advocacy

Eligibility to participate in the JRB: 

  • Referral for non-violent misdemeanor charge 
  • Trumbull resident aged 10–17  
  • No open or pending Court cases 
  • No history of felony charges 
  • No history of noncompliance in a previous JRB referral 
  • Participants must admit involvement and take responsibility for their actions 
  • Parent/guardian must be involved in the process

For more information about the Juvenile Review Board, please contact the Diversionary Services Coordinator, Melissa Roberto at 203-452-5193.