CT HB05189

Allows courts to order evaluation of children charged with fire-starting delinquency offenses to determine if they would benefit from a fire-starting behavior treatment program.

Permits courts to suspend delinquency proceedings for up to one year and require participation in a fire-starting behavior treatment program if the child is likely to benefit and suspension serves the interests of justice.

Places suspended children under juvenile probation officer supervision to monitor compliance with court orders during the suspension period.

Requires parents or guardians to pay evaluation and treatment costs unless the court finds them indigent and waives the costs.

Allows charges to be dismissed if the child completes the treatment program and complies with all suspension conditions; does not apply to children charged with serious juvenile offenses or those previously ordered into treatment under this section.