The Diversion Workgroup focuses on reducing unnecessary youth involvement in the juvenile justice system by promoting effective, community-based alternatives. Its mission is to ensure that young people are supported through services and interventions that address underlying needs rather than punitive responses.Through data analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-based policy development, the workgroup identifies opportunities to divert youth away from formal system processing and toward programs that strengthen family, educational, and community connections. The Diversion Workgroup’s efforts are grounded in equity, prevention, and the belief that early, supportive interventions can change life trajectories.
Goals and Focus Areas
Improve data tracking and outcome measurement for diversion programs.
Strengthen partnerships between schools, communities, and law enforcement.
Promote consistent diversion criteria and equitable access across demographics.
Expand access to diversion programs statewide.
Ensure that diversion services are developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
Promote consistent diversion criteria and equitable access across demographics.
The Diversion Workgroup focuses on keeping youth out of the justice system by connecting them with supportive, community-based programs. Through partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and service providers, the group promotes early intervention, equity, and positive youth development.
Its mission is to replace punitive responses with restorative approaches that strengthen families and communities while helping young people build brighter futures.
Co-Chairs
The Diversion Workgroup is guided by its Co-Chairs, who provide strategic direction, facilitate collaboration among members, and ensure the group’s goals align with JJPOC’s broader mission. They lead discussions, oversee subgroup progress, and foster partnerships that advance youth diversion efforts across the state.
Erica Bromley,
Connecticut Youth Services Association
Front-end/Limiting entry into the juvenile justice system
David Brian,
Connecticut Youth Services Association
Front-end/Limiting entry into the juvenile justice
Subgroups
Each subgroup plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the Diversion Workgroup — ensuring that Connecticut’s juvenile justice system responds to youth in fair, effective, and developmentally appropriate ways.
Right-size The Age
Focuses on ensuring that Connecticut’s juvenile justice system reflects developmental science by setting fair, age-appropriate boundaries for system involvement. The subgroup evaluates laws, policies, and practices to ensure that youth are treated in ways that support growth, accountability, and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
MYI/MCI
The MYI/MCI Subgroup focuses on improving services, programming, and conditions for young people at the Manson and Cheshire Correctional Institutions. This group works collaboratively with state agencies and community partners to enhance education, mental health care, and reentry preparation.
Right-size The Age
Focuses on ensuring that Connecticut’s juvenile justice system reflects developmental science by setting fair, age-appropriate boundaries for system involvement. The subgroup evaluates laws, policies, and practices to ensure that youth are treated in ways that support growth, accountability, and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Want to Join Us?
If you’re interested in joining one of our workgroups or learning more about current initiatives, please complete the form below with your details and area of interest. Someone from our team will review your submission and reach out to you with more information and next steps.
Resources
The JJPOC Workgroups convene monthly to review progress, discuss ongoing initiatives, and align on strategies that advance the committee’s reform goals. These meetings provide a collaborative space for members, stakeholders, and partner agencies to share updates, analyze data, and develop actionable recommendations. Each session focuses on key topic areas within the justice system, ensuring consistent coordination, accountability, and informed decision-making across all subgroups.