You know your neighborhood and your councilor. But you may not know all of the many different ways Providence City Council is building a better city for you and for your neighbors each and every day – like helping the city’s youth stay out of the criminal justice system.
For more than 30 years, City Council has overseen the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board (JHB), a community-based program designed to provide first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders with an alternative to the traditional court system. Instead of facing formal prosecution, eligible youth appear before the JHB, which works to hold them accountable while offering rehabilitative support.
Comprised of 15 community members appointed by City Council, the JHB reviews each case, considers the circumstances, and assigns appropriate sanctions such as community service, restitution, counseling, or educational workshops. This process helps young people take responsibility for their actions while avoiding a permanent juvenile record. Families and trusted adults then work closely with the JHB Coordinator, a member of council staff, to ensure they have all the support they need to be successful. The current board is led by Chairwoman Bernadette Tavares.
“Supporting and developing youth is both my passion and personal mission,” says Tavares, who has served on the board since 2021. “The opportunity that the JHB presents to avert the perpetual cycle of recidivism is invaluable to our communities. I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the board and serving as the current chair and look forward to supporting the continued growth and development of this important body.”
By focusing on restorative justice, the JHB promotes positive behavioral change, supports families, and enhances public safety without unnecessarily incarcerating our city’s youth. It serves as a critical tool in guiding youth toward better choices while strengthening the community as a whole.
Recently, City Council welcomed a new JHB Coordinator. Luisa Sarante comes to city service with nearly a decade of experience working in housing and supportive services in the Providence community. Most recently, she worked at the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness as CES Housing Prioritization and Referral Coordinator. Luisa’s position is part of Council’s Constituent Services team working out of City Hall.
“I am thrilled to join the City Council staff to help lead this crucial work. Our city’s youth deserve compassion and support,” Luisa says. “And when they run into trouble, they deserve a chance to make things right. Non-violent, first-time offenders should be given every possible opportunity to do that without being burdened by a criminal record.”
For more information about the Juvenile Hearing Board and how it impacts our city, please contact Luisa Sarante and lsarante@providenceri.gov.
