New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network

Meeting, February 12, 2003

  1. The meeting was called to order at 10:45am at the new office of the New Hampshire Juvneile Court Diversion Network in Ossippee. Present were: Lance Zack (CCMS), Diane Casale (GDJD), Brian Loanes (Belknap Co. Restorative Justice), Jackie Valley (CDP), Cathy Steers (NJCDN), Sharon Drew-Henson (NSCJCDP and Chances), Gerry Evans, (JDAI-NH) Laura Schoen (CCMS), Dawn Shimberg (YAP).
  2. Sue of the Youth Services Bureau in Laconia is keeping up on the Network’s financial business, (Cathy’s checks, grant reports, etc.) while Holly is recuperating. Sue is doing a great job. The cash flow report shows an increase of $8342.00 (in the black). There is$20,000+ in the checkbook. The Network decided to send a dinner gift certificate to Holly as a get well present. The actual locale was left to Cathy’s discretion for up to $75. Holly’s mailing address is: Holly DeWald, RR1, Box 22G, Alton, NH 03809 875-0803 For ideas for Sue Cathy will talk to Peter.
  3. Please check whether your agency has paid its membership for 2003.
  4. Three cheers for the Network--we now have an office space for regular meetings (if central enough) and our library. The facility is pleasant with ample parking.
  5. Evaluation Process to be used across the board to judge family satisfaction. Hard to find a scientifically based satisfaction survey for prevention programs. Cathy found a family support scale from Cambridge, MA. This measure can be used in addition to our recidivism rates. Pre and Post for family to measure satisfaction in the family.
  6. Cathy has a sheet on glossary of terms for outcome measures. What would we like to measure? Greater Seacoast United Way is a good mailing list to be on. They do very inexpensive trainings on evaluation, etc. Can link you up with the other campus trainings and fundraising seminars.
  7. Network members are happy with the services of Jo. Not all were aware there is a charge for the second rendition of the database program that is more user friendly ($75) which Jo created specifically for Sharon’s program. This version is not necessary for reporting to the State. Jo is very good at responding via e-mail to questions of the network members.
  8. Disproportionate Minority Contact—Need to track ethnicity, as well as other factors. Sometimes this depends unfairly on economic status. The State of NH going into phase two as it has failed phase one. Gerry Evans is the liaison for this project, which should be in effect this Spring. Focuses are Manchester and Nashua.
  9. The Chiefs of Police Association is backing the law to keep the age of majority at 17. This law states that a juvenile may be charged as an adult, but currently all are being charged as adults and are still legally the responsibility of their parents. When released they are virtually homeless. It is a lot less work for the police if 17 year olds can be treated as adults., ie not sight and sound issues, can hold them longer.
  10. Mandatory Arrest Law—The police are liable if they do not arrest. Homes are needed to keep these kids instead of them being sent to YDSU. The specialized foster home needs to be trained through Gerry’s program. These homes are only for instant Domestic Violence arrests. Jackie thinks the network should all be involved in the trainings. The NH Mediation Association has taken a very strong stand against being involved in Domestic Violence cases. In mediation there is suppose to be two voices of equal footing. Any violence within a situation therefore has to go to intervention or counseling. Can be taken in as victim/offender cases.
  11. Network members have until 2/19/03 to review and identify what they think would be the most helpful measures for their programs and the Network as a whole.
  12. Cathy will mail a link to the family functioning survey. Programs can test it and come to the next meeting with what they think.
  13. Habitual Offenders for Substance Abuse. Kids are really affected when they see kids who are only a few years older than them in serious trouble.
  14. NH has a great Speakers Bureau. NASRO National Assoc. of School Officers. Current Inmates can use the CS talking to kids for early release, and to show they are reforming.
  15. All members should have e-mails to other members and then group e-mails can happen more often and increase communication. Ex. I just took a kid here and it was great. Pass the word.
  16. Sharon has a LADAC and is doing a weekly Treatment and Recovery Group for Adolescents. Using the curriculum of the Cannabis Youth Treatment Program. May be looking for grants. Anyone interested in Drug and Alcohol Adolescent Treatment and Recovery Program call Sharon to be included in communications.
  17. Cathy was instructed to put some kind of heading for time sensitive material or when a response is required; such as “Time Sensitive” or something more graphic.
  18. St. Anslem’s College invited the Network to present at its Careers in Criminal Justice Day. The Network decided to not present this year and to have all future invitations sent to Cathy as the Network Project Coordinator.
  19. Gerry is looking at detention alternatives for the North Country. Please contact him if you have any information.
  20. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40pm. The next meeting of the NHJCDN is scheduled for April 9th at10:30 am at the Upper Room in Derry, NH. Please contact Diane Casale for directions.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawn B. Shimberg, Recording Secretary

New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network