NJ Juvenile Conference Committees

NJ Juvenile Conference Committees – A Guide for Parents & Teens

Juvenile delinquency cases in New Jersey can be scary and confusing for both parents and teens. But there’s a little-known option called Juvenile Conference Committees that aims to help, not punish. This informal process brings together the teen, parents, victims and community to talk it out, make amends, and develop a plan so the kid can avoid having a criminal record. Here’s what every NJ family should know about Conference Committees.

What is a Juvenile Conference Committee?

A Juvenile Conference Committee is an alternative to pressing formal charges against a minor in juvenile court. It’s a voluntary, community-based process that brings together the teen, parents, victims, police, and community members. The goal is to hold the juvenile accountable while providing support so they can avoid further legal trouble.

Conference Committees have been around since 1982 – see NJ Court Rules 5:25-1. But many people still don’t know much about them. Essentially, it’s an informal meeting, mediated by a trained coordinator, where everyone talks openly about what happened, how people were affected, and how the harm can be repaired.

If the juvenile takes responsibility and completes their obligations from the agreement, the charges are dropped. No court, no trial, no criminal record. It’s a second chance to make things right.

When are Conference Committees an Option?

Conference Committees are only for juveniles – under 18 in NJ. The offense has to be something relatively minor – petty theft, vandalism, minor assaults, minor drug possession etc. Serious violent crimes and sex offenses are not eligible.

Police, prosecutors, or intake officers at probation can refer appropriate cases. The juvenile and parents have to agree to participate voluntarily. Victims are also contacted to see if they’re willing to meet. The Committee won’t happen unless the primary parties consent.

So in practice, Conference Committees are used for first-time and low-level youth offenders as an alternative to formal charges. The goal is rehabilitation rather than punishment.

What Happens in a Juvenile Conference Committee?

The Conference Committee meeting itself is facilitated by a trained coordinator, often a probation officer or social worker. It usually includes:

• The juvenile offender
• Parents/guardians
• Victims or victim advocates
• Police representative
• Community members
• School representative
• Youth advocates
• Probation officer

The coordinator will have everyone introduce themselves and explain why they’re there. Then they’ll discuss what happened, who was affected and how. The juvenile has a chance to explain their side, apologize, and make amends directly to victims and the community.

It’s an open dialogue – people can ask questions, share feelings, and talk about what’s needed to make things right. The tone is meant to be supportive rather than adversarial. The focus is accountability and rehabilitation more than punishment.

The Agreement & Follow Up

Through the discussion, the Committee comes up with an agreement for the juvenile to follow. This usually involves:

• Apology and restitution to victims
• Community service
• Counseling or treatment programs
• Staying in school
• Curfews
• Staying away from bad influences
• Regular check-ins with probation

The agreement is voluntary – the juvenile has to agree to comply. If they do, charges are dropped after 3-6 months. If not, the case may get referred to court.

So the agreement is like a second chance contract. It’s an opportunity for the juvenile to take responsibility and put their life on a better path. But it requires following through on their obligations.

Probation will monitor compliance and help connect the youth to any needed services. The Committee may reconvene to review progress. But ideally the juvenile completes the agreement and closes the case successfully.

Benefits of Juvenile Conference Committees

Juvenile Conference Committees have many potential benefits compared to formal court processing:

• Avoids a criminal record – Completing the agreement means no conviction on the juvenile’s record. This gives them a second chance to learn and move forward.
• More personalized – It’s a community-focused process centered around the juvenile’s specific situation, not bureaucratic court procedures.
• Repair harm – Gives the juvenile a chance to directly apologize, make amends to victims, and address the harm they caused.
• Family involvement – Parents are critical partners, not just bystanders. The whole family can get support and counseling.
• Supportive tone – Instead of adversarial like court, the tone is open and aimed at rehabilitation.
• Creative solutions – The agreement can include counseling, community service, or other conditions tailored to the juvenile’s needs.
• Cost effective – Diverts cases from expensive court processing and detention costs.

For appropriate offenses, Conference Committees offer an innovative alternative that can help rehabilitate youth without saddling them with the burden of a record.

Considerations for Juveniles and Parents

However, Conference Committees aren’t always perfect. Here are some things for juveniles and parents to consider:

• The process is still mandatory if you agree – you have to follow through if you want to avoid court down the road.
• Victims may not be willing to participate or forgive. But you still have to take accountability.
• The agreement may feel strict – curfews, counseling, meetings, etc. But court and detention would likely be much worse.
• If you mess up the agreement, you could end up with formal charges anyway. So take it seriously.
• Parents have to be involved and supportive. That means attending meetings, check-ins, counseling etc.
• You need to be completely open and honest throughout the process – with police, victims, probation, counselors, etc. More issues will arise if you hide things.
• For parents – your child’s behavior going forward is still your responsibility. The Committee provides support but you must continue to parent.

While Conference Committees provide a great opportunity, they’re still a lot of work. The juvenile and parents should carefully consider if they’re ready to commit to the process.

Conclusion – A Smart Alternative for Minor Offenses

Juvenile Conference Committees have been around for 40+ years in NJ, yet many families still don’t know they exist. This community-based, rehabilitative process allows appropriate youth offenders a chance to avoid formal charges and a criminal record. It brings together all parties for an open dialogue and agreement aimed at accountability and growth.

For first-time, low-level offenses, Conference Committees can be a smart alternative to court. But it requires the juvenile and parents to be ready to engage in an intense process focused on rehabilitation. When successful, this voluntary program gives youth a second chance while saving tax dollars on detention. It’s something more states should consider adopting.

While scary at first, Conference Committees are meant to help, not punish. Every family with a troubled teen should learn about this option vs. juvenile court. With an open mind, honesty and hard work, it could just set your kid on the right path.