Diverted Youth
Overview
Diversion is a program for youth who commit a misdemeanor offense for the first time, or for whom the prosecuting attorney believes would benefit from a discretionary diversion referral rather than require a formal charge in the Juvenile Court. If a child is referred to diversion, the Juvenile and Family Court Services staff meet with the youth and family, provide them with information about their rights and the diversion process. Youth are advised that they may contact an attorney to review the matter. If the youth accepts diversion as a response for their behavior, a Diversion Agreement will be entered between the child and the volunteers who serve on the Community Accountability Board, which can include attendance at the Connect Program, community service work fines, restitution, educational classes and/or programs, counseling or other available interventions. If youth fail to successfully complete their agreement conditions, the matter is referred back to the prosecuting attorney. If the expectations of the agreement are met, the matter is closed and the youth is provide information about the laws relating to the destruction or sealing of their juvenile record. This is a program for youth who commit a misdemeanor offense for the first time, or for whom the prosecuting attorney believes would benefit from a discretionary diversion referral rather than require a formal charge in the Juvenile Court. If a child is referred to diversion, the Juvenile and Family Court Services staff meet with the youth and family, provide them with information about their rights and the diversion process. Youth are advised that they may contact an attorney to review the matter. If the youth accepts diversion as a response for their behavior, a Diversion Agreement will be entered between the child and the Juvenile Department which can include attendance at the Connect Program, community service work fines, restitution, educational classes and/or programs, counseling or other available interventions.