What is a Juvenile Hearing Board (JHB)?

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JHBs are community-based volunteer organizations operating in most cities and towns in Rhode Island, working in conjunction with their local police departments. In 2023, JHBs served over 300 youth, 121 BIPOC youth. Youths are eligible to be seen by JHBs if they admit responsibility for a misdemeanor-level offense that they committed when they were less than 18 years old and are a first-time offender. In most jurisdictions, local police departments have the authority to send eligible juveniles either to their local JHB or to Family Court, depending on the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood of rehabilitation through the JHB process.

 

How does RICJ Support JHBs?

RICJ connects JHBs through meetings to share best practices, training for new members, and expert presentations on important topics. Additionally, RICJ has 2 case managers who work directly with youth going through the JHB process in four JHBs. RICJ collects vital data about the JHB activity, including re- arrest data that shows the effectiveness of JHBs and racial data that measures JHBs progress in addressing the needs of BIPOC youth.

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JHB Objectives:

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1. Decrease juvenile cases referred to Family Court and system-involved youth in RI.

2. Lower re-offense rates among youth.

3. Build competencies in youth, including school performance, relationships, anger management, and life skills.

4. Raise community awareness of issues impacting youth and families.