(MV) — The CNMI Juvenile Court has been selected as one of only five state courts nationwide to receive a grant designed to improve responses for youth and young adults in the justice system. In response, the court has initiated new partnerships — particularly with the Public School System and several community agencies — to better address the needs of young individuals.
On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio met with Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho. Also present were Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, School Attendance Review Committee Coordinator Robert L. Coldeen, Senior Director for Student Support Services Jackie A. Quitugua, Senior Director for Accountability Research and Evaluation Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, PSS Counseling Coordinator Dr. Paulette Tomokane, and members of the PSS Mental Health and Counseling teams.
“This collaborative effort unites us as a community. As we face ongoing economic challenges, it is critical to reinforce our support systems to prevent a rise in juvenile-related issues. This partnership provides essential support to our Juvenile Court and all involved stakeholders,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho said.
The grant, awarded by the State Justice Institute, totals $515,000 for the CNMI and four other recipients — California, Minnesota, Montana, and Guam. Funding will be used for systems assessments, action planning, and implementing improved support for youth and young adults who may enter the court system.
The initiative follows the National Convening on the State Courts’ Role in Effective Justice for Young People, which brought together court leaders from 47 states and U.S. territories to discuss best practices for serving youth in the justice system.
Under the grant, the CNMI Juvenile Court will receive support from the National Center for State Courts, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Council of State Governments, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. The grant highlights a joint effort to provide effective support for at-risk youth amid economic challenges.