House Republican Press Release

January 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

GOVERNOR RELL APPOINTS REPRESENTATIVE GIEGLER TO STATE, FEDERAL JUVENILE JUSTICE PANELS

Governor M. Jodi Rell has appointed State Rep. Janice R. Giegler (R-Danbury, New Fairfield) to the state's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJACA).  In addition, she has been appointed to serve concurrently as Connecticut's representative to the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ).

The state JJAC is a Governor-appointed committee that oversees federal funding for youth development programs under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in Connecticut.  JJAC was established under this federal legislation in 1974 and advises the Governor and the Office of Policy and Management on juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues.

The FACJJ is a consultative body composed of appointed representatives of the nation's State Advisory Groups that advises the President and Congress on matters related to juvenile justice and evaluates the progress and accomplishments of juvenile justice activities and projects.

"I am honored to have been selected by the Governor and appreciate her confidence in this appointment to represent the State of Connecticut on this important issue," said Rep. Giegler.  "One of this year's state JJACA priorities is to make changes to the way we treat juveniles.  Connecticut is one of only three states that considers all 16 and 17 year olds to be adults in the criminal justice system, an issue which is of great interest and importance to me.  We need to provide appropriate services and treatment for those young people at risk and for those with mental health and substance abuse issues."

Rep. Giegler has served on the Legislature's Judiciary Committee since she joined the General Assembly in January 2003.  This committee has cognizance on all matters relating to courts, judicial procedures, criminal law, probate courts, probation, parole, estates, wills, adoption, divorce, bankruptcy, law libraries, deeds, mortgages, conveyancing, preservation of land records and other public documents, claims against the state and all matters relating to the Judicial Department, the Department of Correction and to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.