CT HB06902

Establishes "Diversion First" program effective January 1, 2024, administered by Commissioner of Children and Families and Chief Court Administrator to divert juveniles from the justice system who commit first or second offenses, face minor criminal charges, or are chronically absent from school.

Program initially implemented in municipalities with populations of 90,000 or more and provides single point of contact for services including anger management, family counseling, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence prevention, and community service opportunities.

Requires municipal police departments to consider referring eligible juveniles to the program and incorporates restorative justice model with victim input opportunities.

Modifies youth service bureau requirements in municipalities with populations under 70,000 to mandate use of validated risk and needs assessment screening tools and referral to community providers for services the bureau cannot provide.

Requires Commissioner of Children and Families to submit biennial performance reports by December 1, 2024 and thereafter to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee on diversion outcomes, including demographic data, service types, and program completion rates.