Before any charges are filed against a child in New Hampshire juvenile court, parents and children are asked the same question each time: Would you like to participate in the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment?

The questionnaire allows youth to share more of their story — anything from family history with substance abuse to hobbies outside of school. And oftentimes, the detailed narrative the assessment provides can be the deciding factor in whether a child goes to court or is diverted away from the justice system.

Most families choose to participate. About a quarter decline. The assessment is a voluntary tool for the many sectors that touch the juvenile justice system to speak the same language and individualize plans for the children involved.

On July 1, a two-year, $100,000 contract approved by the Executive Council went into effect to provide legal counsel for youth in the juvenile justice assessment process.

The goal of these assessments and advice? Keep kids who don’t need to be in court, out.

“If we can figure out what kids don’t need to go there and shouldn’t be there, then that’s what we should be doing,” says Pamela Jones, managing attorney at New Hampshire Public Defender’s Nashua office.

Since introducing the universal assessment tool in October 2021, state data shows that 72 percent of the time, the assessment recommends a community referral for the child, instead of court involvement.

These community referrals include participation in community services, like the Boys & Girls Club or YMCA, mental health counseling, a diversion program or an at-home program through the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health like FAST Forward.

These external options mean that children can access resources they need, without having to go through the court system.

Now, the New Hampshire Public Defender’s attorneys can help explain how the assessment will be used as well as the varying outcomes of whether or not they participate.

The New Hampshire Public Defender solely provides legal counsel to youth clients,.

However, both the parent and child have to consent to the assessment process. A report from the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 100 children, ages 12-17, will be helped annually with this funding.

This article is being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.