New Hampshire Selected To Attend National Training To Revamp Juvenile Probation System

Concord, NH – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) announces that New Hampshire is one of seven state and local jurisdictions selected for a national program that will explore transforming the juvenile justice system to ensure better outcomes for youth.

The program will bring together cross-disciplinary teams from the seven sites to fundamentally rethink their approach to juvenile probation. Teams will develop strategies to shift the focus of juvenile probation agencies from surveillance and sanctions to promoting positive behavior change and long-term success for youth.

“It is important to have a juvenile system in place that promotes personal growth, positive behavior change, and long-term success for youth, so they can become healthy and successful adults,” said DCYF Director Joseph E. Ribsam. “As we continue to make progress in our child welfare transformation efforts, our focus is on strengthening our partnerships among all stakeholders involved with child well-being. We are grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with our state team and our colleagues on a national level to make positive improvements in the juvenile justice system.”

A cross-sectional team comprised of key stakeholders in New Hampshire’s juvenile justice system will participate in the Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program hosted by Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) and The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, and supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Attendees from New Hampshire include:

• Joseph Ribsam, Director, NH DCYF
• Richard Sarette, Juvenile Justice Administrator, NH DCYF
• Amy McCormmack, Juvenile Probation and Parole Supervisor, NH DCYF
• The Hon. Susan W. Ashley, Deputy Administrative Judge, NH Circuit Court
• Moira O’Neill, Director, Office of the Child Advocate
• Nicole Rodler, Rochester Police Department, Juvenile Court Diversion Program
• Pamela Jones, Esq, New Hampshire Public Defender
• Steve Ranfos, Esq., Juvenile Prosecutor, Manchester Police Department

New Hampshire’s team will develop a strategic action plan detailing the specific changes they plan to enact upon completion of the weeklong training. For one year following the certificate program, New Hampshire will receive support and assistance to implement this plan from CJJR, the CSG Justice Center, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The six other sites selected to participate in the Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program include Cado Parish, LA; Charlottesville, VA; Marion County, IN; Multnomah County, OR; San Diego County, CA; and Stark County, OH.