New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Juv - Juvenile Parole Board
New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Juv pertains to the Juvenile Parole Board, which is responsible for overseeing the parole process for juvenile offenders in the state. The Board reviews cases, evaluates whether a juvenile offender has met the necessary conditions for parole, and makes determinations about their release into the community.
The Juvenile Parole Board is part of New Hampshire’s efforts to ensure that the juvenile justice system is rehabilitative and focused on the best interests of the young offenders while maintaining public safety.
Juv – Juvenile Parole Board
Purpose:
The purpose of Juv is to establish the procedures, responsibilities, and powers of the Juvenile Parole Board in New Hampshire. The Board evaluates juvenile offenders who are eligible for parole, determining whether they have demonstrated rehabilitation, meet necessary criteria, and are ready to reintegrate into society under supervision.
Key Provisions
Establishment and Role of the Juvenile Parole Board:
The Juvenile Parole Board is a key component of New Hampshire’s juvenile justice system. Its role is to ensure that juvenile offenders are given the opportunity for rehabilitation while maintaining a focus on public safety and accountability.
The Board is tasked with making decisions regarding parole eligibility for juveniles sentenced to secure detention or correctional facilities. It ensures that these decisions are based on a thorough assessment of the offender’s rehabilitation, behavior, and readiness for reintegration.
Composition of the Juvenile Parole Board:
Members: The Juvenile Parole Board is typically composed of individuals with expertise in juvenile justice, social work, law, mental health, and criminology. Board members are appointed to ensure diverse perspectives and a fair, balanced approach to parole decisions.
Board Chairman and Members: The Board is led by a chairperson and includes additional members who each bring specialized knowledge to the decision-making process.
Parole Eligibility and Review Process:
Eligibility Criteria: Juvenile offenders who have served a portion of their sentence and show signs of rehabilitation may be considered for parole. The Board evaluates whether the offender is a danger to the community, whether they have participated in rehabilitation programs, and whether they are likely to succeed in the community.
Parole Hearings: Juveniles seeking parole will have a hearing before the Board, where they and their legal representatives can present evidence and arguments for release. The Board may consider several factors, including:
The offender’s behavior and conduct while incarcerated.
Participation in educational and rehabilitative programs.
Family and community support for reintegration.
Psychological and emotional readiness for reentry into society.
Parole Plans: Offenders must have a comprehensive parole plan, which includes stable housing, school or work plans, and a commitment to continued rehabilitation.
Board Decision: After the hearing, the Board decides whether to grant parole, deny it, or defer the decision to a later date. If parole is denied, the Board may set a future review date.
Conditions of Parole:
Supervision and Monitoring: Juveniles granted parole will be placed under supervision by the state’s juvenile probation and parole officers. They will need to comply with the terms of their parole, which may include:
Regular meetings with a parole officer.
Attendance at school or work.
Participation in counseling or therapy.
Restrictions on travel or contact with certain individuals.
Compliance with curfew or home confinement conditions.
Violations of Parole: If a juvenile violates the conditions of their parole, the Board may revoke parole and return the offender to secure detention. Violations may include failing drug tests, committing new crimes, or failing to comply with supervision requirements.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Focus:
Rehabilitation Programs: The Juvenile Parole Board prioritizes the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The Board works closely with correctional facilities to ensure that juveniles have access to education, vocational training, therapy, and counseling.
Reentry Services: Upon release, the Board ensures that juveniles receive reentry services, including help with housing, employment, education, and mental health support to aid in their successful reintegration into society.
Victim and Community Input:
Victim Impact Statements: The Board may consider victim impact statements during the parole hearing process. This allows victims or their representatives to voice their concerns about the offender’s release and provide information about the impact of the crime.
Community Safety: The Board ensures that community safety is a priority when considering parole. The juvenile’s potential threat to public safety, including risk of reoffending, is assessed before any parole decision is made.
Appeals and Review Process:
Appeals: If a juvenile offender is denied parole, they have the right to request a review of the decision. The Board may revisit the case after a specific period, allowing the juvenile to demonstrate further progress in rehabilitation or provide new evidence for consideration.
Reviews of Parole Decisions: The Board also reviews parole decisions at regular intervals, ensuring that any changes in the juvenile’s circumstances or behavior are taken into account.
Juvenile Parole Board Powers:
Granting or Denying Parole: The Board has the authority to grant, deny, or defer parole based on its evaluation of the juvenile’s readiness for release.
Modification of Parole Conditions: The Board can modify the conditions of parole, either relaxing or tightening restrictions, depending on the parolee’s behavior and progress.
Post-Parole Monitoring:
After the parolee is released, the Division of Juvenile Justice provides ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with parole conditions. The parolee’s progress is tracked, and if necessary, the parole terms may be adjusted based on their rehabilitation progress or any violations that may occur.
Long-Term Rehabilitation Goals:
Focus on Preventing Recidivism: The Juvenile Parole Board emphasizes the importance of reducing recidivism by ensuring that juveniles released on parole are adequately prepared for life after incarceration. This includes access to rehabilitation, education, and community services.
Ongoing Support: The Board also works to ensure that juveniles and their families have access to ongoing support after release, providing resources for reintegration and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Significance of Juv – Juvenile Parole Board
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The Juvenile Parole Board plays a crucial role in rehabilitating juvenile offenders and preparing them for successful reintegration into society. It focuses on addressing the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency and providing the necessary support for positive change.
Public Safety: While prioritizing rehabilitation, the Board also ensures that public safety is not compromised. Juveniles are only released when they are assessed as ready for parole and under the condition that they will be supervised to ensure community safety.
Fair and Balanced Decision-Making: By providing a structured, transparent process for parole hearings and decisions, the Board ensures that juveniles are given a fair opportunity to earn parole based on their behavior and rehabilitation efforts.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring: The Board’s involvement extends beyond the parole decision, continuing with post-release monitoring and support to reduce recidivism and help parolees adjust to life outside of detention.
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