Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 99-0233

Rep. Lee

Sen. Andrews

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

January 11, 1999

House Judiciary

Susan Colling (303-866-4784)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.



Summary of Assessment


            The bill establishes a restorative justice program as part of the juvenile diversion program for nonviolent juvenile offenders in the juvenile justice system. The program will incorporate the juvenile offender, the victim, and participation from the community. The bill requires that community protection, juvenile offender accountability to the victim, and the juvenile offender's personal competency development be addressed when solicitations are made for contracts to provide a restorative justice program. These same elements must be considered by local juvenile services planning committees in developing local juvenile services plans. The bill specifies that a forum for victims of juvenile offenses be made available in order for the victimization to be acknowledged and that the victim may take part in the delinquency process.


            The bill authorizes the director of the Department of Human Services to accept funds, grants, gifts or donations to provide restorative justice programs. Additionally, entities are encouraged to apply for grants from the Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Program, established under 24-32-2801, C.R.S., to provide or enhance restorative justice services or programs.


            Currently, the Department of Local Affairs administers the Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Program and awards grant moneys appropriated by the General Assembly to "...fund community-based programs that target youth and their families for intervention services in an effort to reduce incidents of youth crime and violence". The bill allows entities to apply and receive these grants for restorative justice programs. The bill does not mandate a program, but rather introduces a process and specifies elements of a program to be considered when establishing services or developing a program for nonviolent juvenile offenders. Since the bill does not generate or expend new funds, and it cannot be determined the amount that may be received through gift, grants, or donations, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact on state revenues or expenditures, or units of local government.



Departments Contacted


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