Bringing Youth-Focused Solutions Across the Finish Line: JJPOC Votes to Advance Key Recommendations with CEW Support

January 22, 2026 — Hartford, CT

Today marked a meaningful moment in juvenile justice policy as members of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC) came together to vote on several critical recommendations aimed at strengthening support systems for young people across Connecticut.

With full support from the Community Expertise Workgroup (CEW) — including voices from those with lived experience Deivone M Tanksley Sr &

Stella Rose,

the committee advanced three major votes that reflect both evidence-based practice and deep community insight.

1. Transportation Recommendation — Education Workgroup

Transportation is more than convenience — it’s opportunity. The first recommendation on the agenda supported free youth access to public transit through CT Transit during the school year. This vote underscores how removing practical barriers helps keep young people connected to education, programs, and resources that support long-term success.

This recommendation moved forward with broad backing, paving the way for expanded access and representation in policy solutions.

2. Truancy Recommendation — Education Workgroup

Addressing truancy with compassion rather than punishment continues to be a central focus of JJPOC’s work. Today’s vote reinforced the committee’s commitment to interventions that understand attendance as a reflection of underlying needs — not simply a disciplinary issue.

By advancing this recommendation, JJPOC is prioritizing approaches that keep children engaged, supported, and on track.

3. Emerging Adult “Parole” Recommendation — Community Expertise Workgroup

A highlight of the day was the vote on the Emerging Adult “Parole” recommendation — a proposal informed directly by the CEW and co-presented by members including Elizabeth Hinton, Kadeem Roberts, Stella Rose, and Deivone Tanksley (representing community voices with lived experience).

Emerging adulthood — understood scientifically as a developmental period extending into the mid-20s — requires systems that reflect human growth and potential. By advancing this recommendation, the committee acknowledged the importance of age-responsive policy that supports rehabilitation, dignity, and opportunity during this pivotal phase of life.

The vote passed with strong committee support, signaling a meaningful shift toward policies shaped by community expertise, developmental science, and a holistic view of young people’s lives.

Why This Matters

Today’s votes are more than procedural wins — they represent a philosophical shift in how juvenile justice is considered in Connecticut.

With CEW’s influence and the committee’s willingness to listen, these recommendations reflect:

• Lived experience informing policy

• Developmental science grounding decision-making

• Systems thinking replacing punishment-first responses

• Youth-centered solutions gaining traction at the table

The collaborative nature of today’s process — especially the leadership demonstrated by CEW members — brings hope that policies will continue evolving in ways that restore opportunity rather than reinforce risk.

What Comes Next

With these recommendations passing, the real work of implementation begins. JJPOC, its workgroups, and state partners will now advance these proposals into actionable plans, ensuring that every young person in Connecticut has access to pathways for success.