Committee hears bill to expand juvenile diversion, create DCYF grant program and require statewide diversion data

The Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee heard testimony on House Bill 13 91 at a public hearing. The bill would expand the role of consolidated juvenile service programs, create a grant program at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to support community-based diversion, require courts to transmit juvenile diversion agreement data to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and direct the AOC to develop common definitions, outcome measures, and an annual report on diversion agreements.

Supporters told the committee diversion reduces future offending, keeps youth connected to school and family, and saves public resources. "Diversion works," said Representative Cortez, the bill's prime sponsor, noting her years of direct service with at-risk and homeless youth. "The investments that we make through this bill are gonna pay out tenfold because youth will not be involved in the system." Sunshine, a 22-year-old testifier…