Basic services, 2022
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Overall
State operated
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Detention
State operated
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Probation
State operated
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Reentry
State operated
In New Hampshire, juvenile delinquency services are organized at the state level. Juvenile detention is operated at the state level through the John H. Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC). The SYSC is also the treatment facility for committed youth, both male and female, ages 13 to 17.
The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS), a state executive family and children services agency, administers commitment to state facilities and aftercare services. DJJS also administers probation services which are referred to as “conditional release”. |
Purpose clauses, 2016
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No clause
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Parens patriae
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Due process era
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Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ)
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Developmental Approach
Corrections agency, 2015
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Independent juvenile corrections agency
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Family/child welfare agency or division
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Broad human services agency
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Adult corrections agency or division
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS) administers commitments to state juvenile correctional facilities and aftercare services for youth leaving those facilities.
Intake and diversion, 2016
Initial intake and court diversion decision is at the discretion of the prosecutor or the juvenile court intake officer.
Post-petition court diversion time limit/s exist.
Solitary confinement, 2016
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Prohibits punitive confinement
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Limits punitive confinement
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No limits on punitive confinement
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Did not respond
Solitary confinement for punitive purposes is not allowed in New Hampshire's juvenile correctional facility. Confinement is allowed when child poses a danger to himself or others and must be discontinued once the danger has dissipated. Confinement must be continuously monitored (visual and auditory). (Adapted from 51 Jurisdiction Survey of Juvenile Solitary Confinement Rules in Juvenile Justice Systems, 2016. Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest at Lowenstein Sandler LLP)
Release decision, 2016
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Agency
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Court
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Parole board
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Agency and court
Release decisions for youth committed to the Division of Juvenile Services are made by an independent Juvenile Parole Board. The Juvenile Parole Board conducts hearings to determine whether juveniles whose release from secure custody has been recommended by facility staff should be granted or denied parole. The Juvenile Parole Board does not use a structured decision-making tool to make release decisions. The committing courts may be notified of a release but are not required.
Risk assessment, 2020
| Organization |
2013 |
2017 |
2020 |
| Statewide uniform assessment |
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| Layered/regional assessment |
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| Locally administered assessment |
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In New Hampshire, the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) within the Department of Health and Human Services administers probation services. DCYF’s Bureau of Juvenile Justice Field Services has partnered with the National Youth Screening and Assistance Project (NYSAP) to implement the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) for juvenile probation statewide beginning in March 2014.
Sex offender registration, 2015
Registers
Risk instruments, 2017
- Risk instruments tool used
- Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY)
Mental health screening, 2014
Requires a research-based mental health screening
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Secure detention
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Probation
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Corrections
- Mental health screening tool used
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
New Hampshire requires the use of a mental health screening tool by the Division of Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS) policy. The policy requires the use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as well as a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Scale. Youth may be screened for mental health before probation at the parents’ discretion. Juveniles also receive a mental health assessment from corrections within 5 days of intake.
DJJS and Dartmouth College have collaborated to provide training and technical assistance for the implementation of the mental health screening tool through the Partners for Change Program. The state will provide funding to keep resources available to promote sustainability.
Frameworks for evidence-based practices, 2014
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Statute
Supporting commitment to EBPs
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Administrative regulations
Either in corrections, probation, or the juvenile court
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Support center
Or collaboration dedicated to coordinating activities around implementing, evaluating, and sustaining EBPs
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No stance
No official stance on EBPs
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Did not respond
State did not respond to the survey
In New Hampshire, the use of evidence-based programs and practices (EBPs) is encouraged by the Division of Juvenile Justice Services policy. The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee serves as an advisory group for best practices in juvenile justice programming. DJJS is currently piloting the Partners for Change Project via collaboration with Dartmouth College. The project will improve services for juvenile justice involved youth in the child welfare system through screening, assessment, and evidence-based treatment. The Practice Model will be integrated into the day to day processes of DCYF.
The state also supports evidence- based practices by funding evidence-based prevention programs and providing training and technical assistance related to the implementation of EBPs.
Recidivism reporting, 2016
Does not publish recidivism consistently over time.
