Programs - Juvenile Conference Committe

The Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) is a voluntary diversion program serving as an alternative to the juvenile justice system for first-time offenders with misdemeanor charges. The Juvenile Conference Committee is a community-oriented approach that fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability for a juvenile's inappropriate conduct.

The Juvenile Conference Committee is comprised of citizen volunteers who want to help redirect youth from involvement with the juvenile justice system. All volunteers undergo a background check and attend orientation and quarterly training.

Juvenile Conference Committee Process

  1. The Juvenile Court Service Unit evaluates complaints against juveniles to determine if they are appropriate for diverting to the Juvenile Conference Committee. The victim of the crime must agree to the case going to the JCC and the offender must admit guilt.
  2. Upon receiving a referral, the JCC coordinator schedules a hearing, to be held within two weeks of referral.
  3. The Juvenile Conference Committee hears the case and formulates a plan to address the offense. A contract is established with the juvenile and his/her family for a period not to exceed 90 days. The case is monitored for successful completion. Any youth failing to complete his obligations is remanded to Juvenile Court for processing. 

 

Goals and Objectives of the Juvenile Conference Committee

  1. To provide an alternative to the formal juvenile justice system;
  2. To provide accountability for a juvenile's actions;
  3. To deter further involvement with the juvenile justice system;
  4. To impress upon the youth that the community is concerned;
  5. To facilitate resolution to the confronting problem;
  6. To identify and facilitate the family's use of community services and resources;
  7. To provide opportunities for citizen involvement;

 

The Juvenile Conference Committee is an interagency collaboration among the Tidewater Youth Services Commission, the 3rd Judicial District Court Service, the 5th Judicial District Court Service Unit and the following communities:  Portsmouth, Franklin, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County.   

For more information about the Juvenile Conference Committee or to become a volunteer, contact Tim Heiler, at 757-488-9382 or theiler@tyscommission.org.