House Republican Press Release

February 16, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

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

Governor M. Jodi Rell has appointed State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) 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 appreciate Governor Rell’s confidence in making this appointment,” said Rep. Hovey.  "I’m hopeful we can work toward establishing thoughtful policies for troubled youths and focus on rehabilitation for those who are appropriate candidates.  We have the ability to recognize that certain youths who, due to psychological issues, are not remorseful and do not have a conscience. These individuals should be treated very differently from those who due to circumstances or poor choices, have ended up in the justice system."

Rep. Hovey 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.