Youths who get into trouble with the police will sometimes face the juvenile justice system, but that’s not the only course of action that’s possible. Some youths may qualify for diversion programs that help to keep them out of the system.
These diversion programs are meant for juveniles who are accused of low-level offenses or misconduct. The goal is to address the behaviors that are causing issues for the juvenile so they don’t get pushed deeper into the juvenile justice system or eventually into the criminal justice system.
What’s included in a diversion program for a juvenile?
In many cases, these programs focus heavily on supervision and education. They often include counseling, skill building and community service. Sometimes, treatment for mental health conditions is included. Some of these programs help to show the young person how their actions may impact themselves or others. Making amends is sometimes part of the process.
Diversion programs help to keep the juvenile out of court. The youth’s case must meet strict requirements, which are set based on the specific diversion program. In most cases, these are customized based on what the youth needs.
Some diversion programs are short, but others focus on long-term assistance for the youth. Long-term programs often include mentorship, family support and regular check-ins. Because juveniles are still developing, they can often benefit from learning how to improve decision making and strengthen family engagement.
Determining if a juvenile’s case qualifies for a diversion program can be challenging. It’s beneficial to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters so they can discuss the options and assist with making a plan for moving forward with this case.
