Any potential charges are delayed by the Police Department and are wiped clean if the child successfully completes the program. Most that take part are very quick to cooperate, Pyne said. It's not just lecturing. Popular discussion topics are drugs and alcohol, conflict resolution, anger management, and self-esteem. A major advantage of the program, Pyne said, is the personal attention children receive as opposed to being bogged down in the legal climate of a courthouse.
Offenders have six months to complete the program and keep their records clean.
The state Department of Children and Families, the primary overseer of children's mental health services, has already been authorized by Ryan's office to take the crucial first step of the plan - select the private providers who would run the new programs. If proposed by Rowland, the plan would likely receive support from leaders in both parties, lawmakers said. It's the right move, it's a smart move, and it's long overdue,'' said Senate President Pro Tem Kevin Sullivan, D-West Hartford. If this is actually new money, as opposed to reallocated money, or smoke and mirrors, I'll be thrilled. There is an undisputed sense of urgency to this issue.