Basic Criteria

• Under 17 at the time of offense
• Facts in the case justify a court hearing
• Youth admits involvement in the crime
• Not all youth are acceptable

• The JCC Coordinator arranges an interview for the youth and parents to discuss the referral, explain the program and determine suitability for participation. Upon acceptance in the program, an appearance before the Juvenile Conference Committee, called a Hearing is scheduled. The Committee will ask about the offense and then develop an appropriate plan. This maybe included as an apology letter, community service work, a research paper, restitution, a contract relating to school performance and/or home behavior and other dispositions that utilize established resources with the community.
• It is the decision of the Juvenile Coordinator whether the case is appropriate for diversion and it’s up to the youth to make the most of this opportunity. Successful completion of Diversion results in the criminal charge being dismissed.

• Failure to complete the contract in a timely manner, or being uncooperative in meeting the requirements, results in the case being returned immediately to the police department. The police will then arrange a juvenile court hearing before a judge.
• Committing a second offense while participating in the JCC Court Diversion if unacceptable. If this happens, the diversion case will be closed and the charge referred to the judge along with the second offense.

The Keene City Charter defines memberships on the Juvenile Conference Committee. The City of Keene Mayor appoints members to service of this Committee and the Keene City Council approves the appointments.

JCC Membership is now determined through an Administrative Directive.