What is the Juvenile Court Diversion Program?

The Juvenile Diversion Program works with eligible youth to pursue an alternative course to formal adjudication. While participating in Diversion the youth address their offense in a meaningful way, ultimately reducing the chance for recidivism. By seeking out community-based alternatives youth offenders can learn to avoid problem behavior and develop effective life strategies which improve community safety and  re-offense rates.

 

Criminal activity is often indicator of much larger issues the youth may be experiencing. As part of the Program the Diversion Officer conducts an initial assessment and evaluation that looks not only the offense, but family relationships, home structure, academic performance, behavior, social activities, drug and alcohol use, suicidal ideation, physical or sexual abuse, neglect and general ability to complete the Program. Expectations and terms are then developed and put into a written contract with the youth.

 

A successful Diversion participant may complete community service, substance abuse counseling, maintain steady grades and complete any additional projects deemed beneficial to meet the greater needs of the youth. Restorative Justice Conferencing may also be implemented, bringing together victim(s), community and offender and offering them the opportunity to make amends for harm caused to the community and collaborate on ways to deal with the aftermath of the offense.

 

Upon successful completion of the Diversion Program, the youth will not have a record of criminal conviction, an enormous benefit to minors who are concerned about applying for jobs or to colleges. Diversion cases vary in terms of length, but an average term is 5-6 months.