The Justice-Involved Youth in Community Act of 2025 aims to establish a program that pairs youth involved in Deferred Disposition Agreements (DDAs), Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), or Consent Decrees (CDs) with a Trusted Adult who will provide intensive, holistic support throughout the duration of their agreements. This initiative is designed to help youth comply with the terms of their agreements and address underlying issues that may have led to their involvement in the justice system. The program will initially serve up to 50 participants, with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) responsible for referring eligible youth based on specific criteria, including prior offenses and school attendance issues.
The bill outlines the qualifications for Trusted Adults, who must have relevant training or experience in areas such as behavioral health, social work, or youth programming. The Trusted Adult will assist youth in various aspects of their lives, including academic support, healthcare access, and navigating social services. Additionally, the program mandates monthly communication between the Trusted Adult, probation officers, and OAG to monitor compliance with the agreements. If a youth fails to meet the terms of their agreement, the OAG is required to proceed with prosecution or other legal actions as if the agreement had never been entered.