Bill: SB 1548, 85(R) - 2017

Relating to post-discharge services offered by a juvenile board or juvenile probation department to a child after the child’s probation ends. 

This bill would establish optional services provided to youth who have been discharged from probation. The services would support vocational, educational, behavioral, or other goals, and would provide continuity for the child as they transition from probation. The services could include behavioral or mental health services, substance abuse services, mentoring, job training, and educational services. The post-discharge services may only be provided for six months after their discharge from probation. 

There is a lot at stake for juveniles that have entered the juvenile justice system since they have long lives ahead of them. Services that would encourage and help them to stay away from criminal activities serve to reduce recidivism and would provide more opportunity for these youth to become contributing members to society. For these reasons, we support SB 1548.