New Hampshire State Advisory Group On Juvenile Justice Welcomes Six Youth Members

Contact: Erika Mantz
603-862-1567
UNH Media Relations

June 22, 2005



Editors: A high-resolution photo of the students is available for download at: http://unhinfo.unh.edu/news/img/justice/sag.jpg Cutline: Pictured from left to right: Jessica Pomerleau, Heather Rooney, Katie Fazio, Lauren Torch and Daniel Townsend.

DURHAM, N.H. -- Six University of New Hampshire students have been appointed by the governor to serve on the State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice. All New Hampshire residents, they serve with judges, law enforcement officers, legislators, and treatment counselors, managing more than $1 million in grant money.
     
“The desire of these six New Hampshire young people to serve the public of this state is impressive,” said John T. Kirkpatrick, director of Justiceworks at UNH.  “It is heartening to see their commitment to public service.” Glenn Quinney of Manchester, chairperson of the State Advisory Group, added, “The challenges to our juvenile justice system are formidable ones. It’s terrific to have these six new members as partners in meeting these challenges.”
      
The federal Juvenile Justice And Delinquency Prevention Act requires the establishment of a State Advisory Group to participate in the development and review of the state’s juvenile justice plan, review and comment on all juvenile justice and delinquency prevention grant applications submitted to the state, advise the state agency responsible for the preparation and administration of the state plan, submit to the governor and legislature recommendations regarding the state’s compliance with meeting the core requirements of the JJDPA, and contact and seek regular input from juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system.
     
The students are: Jessica Pomerleau, a sophomore majoring in psychology and justice studies from Raymond; Heather Rooney, a senior majoring in psychology and justice studies from Merrimack; Kathryn Fazio, a senior majoring in psychology and justice studies from Swanzey; Janine Strebel, a senior majoring in political science and justice studies from Newport; Lauren Torch, a graduate student in social work from Strafford; and Daniel Townsend, a senior majoring in sociology and justice studies from Merrimack.