Diversion Services
Office of Juvenile Court
Diversion
The Diversion Program is the process of responding to and dealing with a criminal referral, without going through Court. Diversion keeps youth out of the formal court process so they can get services in their community and avoid a criminal record. The Prosecuting Attorney's Office refers youth for diversion. The case returns to the prosecutor if a youth does not complete a Diversion Agreement. The prosecutor might decide to file criminal charges. The program itself provides both rehabilitative services and punitive terms, thereby addressing statutory issues of restitution, rehabilitation and accountability.
Teen Court
Teen Court is a specialized diversion program where Juvenile offenders have their cases heard by a jury of their peers. High school students perform the roles of prosecuting and defense advocates, bailiffs, clerk, judge, and jury. The sanctions decided on by the jury are generally binding, and the judge may or may not add additional sanctions if he or she sees fit.
