New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network
Meeting of March 16, 2011
1. The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairwoman Diane Casale (Derry)l at 10:40am at the Merrimack County Juvenile Diversion Program in Franklin,NH. Present were: Rich Cram and Jessica Klingerman(Merrimack Co.--Concord), Christina Connor (Nashua), Alexandra Perch-Ahern and Kristin Yonge (Chances), Regina Rice-Barker (VCDP), Tim Tyler (Plymouth), Peter Brigham (Hillsboro), Nicole Rodler (Rochester), Lynn Haskell (Merrimack Co.—Franklin), Michelle Keyworth (Nashua), and Dawn Shimberg (Tilton).
2. Treasurer’s Report: Peter reported a balance of $10,162.97 in the NHJCDN checkbook. We currently have ten paid members for the new year. This is approximately ten short of what we had last year. It was suggested that Cathy send one final reminder before the price jumps to $50 on April 1st.
3. Accreditation Committee—Diane reported that they have received 6 official applications for accreditation and that overall they look good. Once submitted the applications are reviewed by the Accreditation Committee and forwarded to the AOC with the recommendation of the Committee. A letter should be sent to the applying agencies from Bridget Siff-Holmes of the AOC reiterating areas of non-compliance and the plan you have for coming into compliance. If you are a dues paying member you will have access to model forms on the Network website. For those programs who have not submitted their applications feel free to contact Diane or Peter with any questions. Accreditation is to help our diversion programs not to rule them out.
If you require an extension you may request one by March 31st by explaining where you are in the process, why you need the extension and when you plan to have it done. All applications and requests for extensions should be sent to Diane Casale. This protocol for extension was voted unanimously by the board. Peter will add it to the website.
4. Nicole Rodham voiced her concern that local jurisdictions don’t know the new legislation regarding the screening of all juvenile cases. Programs should inform the local police departments and let them know that they still exist.
5. Diane informed the members that she had been in touch with Jon Harrington (DCYF) regarding the incentive funds. Last year there was 1.5 million dollars. Currently the proposal has been made to cut all CHINS funding from the DHHS budget. Jon will be added to our mailing list.
6. Jessica informed the group that the Fire Setting Conference was coming up and is a valuable training. It is being held in Natick, MA at the BrandonSchool this year. Nicole mentioned that a similar training will be done in May and July more locally by the Fire Standards and Training in Concord.
7. A general discussion ensued about success in school (grades) being linked with juvenile diversion contracts. Many good ideas were shared.
8. The Community Diversion Program in Atkinson is no longer in operation.
9. The Restorative Justice Practices Conference will be in Halifax this year. It costs approximately $450.
10. The meeting was adjourned at 11:35am. The next meeting of the NHJCDN it scheduled for April 20th at 10:30am. More information will follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn B. Shimberg, Recording Secretary
New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network.