In its annual report in November 2023 to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee, the Judicial Branch provided a high-level look at juvenile justice trends in the State of Connecticut. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the report highlighted a notable trend of decreasing referral volumes compared to pre-pandemic periods. Reductions in referral volume have averaged 6% per year since 2013 for a total decline in delinquency referrals of 49% since 2010. While acknowledging the differences between the pandemic years, the report underscores a sustained downward trend, indicating potential systemic changes or advancements in preventive measures.
Challenges in the area of racial and ethnic disparities remain. The proportion of delinquent referrals for Non-Hispanic White and Non-Hispanic Black clients have increased slightly, while the proportion of Hispanic clients has been decreasing.
Delinquent referrals to court have been primarily misdemeanor referrals that have decreased 56% from 2013 – 2023. This decline signals a positive shift in the juvenile justice landscape, suggesting potential improvements in youth engagement and diversion strategies have been successful. Among the top ten charges are misdemeanor breach of peace, disorderly conduct, threatening, interference with an officer, and criminal mischief
The calendar year 2023 estimated Pre-Disposition Detention admission totals (850) represents a 65% decrease from 2013. Pre-disposition detention admissions continue to contract on an annual basis. Calendar Year 2023 estimated admission totals (850) which represent a 65% decrease from 2013.
This visual shows the average number of children in the juvenile probation population, broken down by pre-disposition (intake) and post-disposition (supervision) cases. Fewer youth are present in the system on any given day.
In 2023, there has been an increase in auto theft-related charges for passengers in auto theft arrest events. The number of court referrals for drivers of stolen vehicles has remained somewhat even with prior quarters.
The school year 2023 saw 17% fewer school-related referrals to juvenile court compared to school year 2022. This continued narrowing of the school to prison pipeline has been the result of changes in legislation that address challenging behavior appropriately handled outside the courts.
Legislative changes to the JJ System have allowed youth who are moderately high risk to be successfully served in the community instead of incarceration. This is evidenced by the 12 month rearrest rate dropping from 66.7% in 2018 to 45.9% in 2023. In addition, raising the age to 18, twelve years ago has successfully right-sized the juvenile justice system and subsequent arrests for the 18 – 21 year olds dropped.
These trends reflect efforts to address underlying issues, promote diversion approaches and increase community based services. To see the full State of the System Report, click here https://towyouth.newhaven.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/November-JJPOC-Presentation.pdf