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Juvenile Court Diversion Program

WHAT IS DIVERSION

Diversion recognizes that you made a mistake. This Program allows you the opportunity to take responsibility and learn from your mistakes. It is up to you what you make of this opportunity.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Your local police department court or school, along with the Court Diversion Program, will screen juvenile cases for initial acceptance into the program, based upon the following criteria:

You are age appropriate.

You are willing to take full responsibility for the offense.

The facts are not contested.

Serious offenses are excluded.

INTAKE PROCESS

Once the school, police or court makes the referral, you and at least one parent or guardian will meet with a Diversion Staff Member to make a final determination of eligibility. At that time, information will be taken regarding your background, the incident for which you were referred, the program and your responsibilities as a participant.

THE INTERVIEW

If accepted into the Program, you and your parents(s) will appear before the Diversion Coordinator to discuss the situation and to determine an appropriate plan of accountability. This plan or ‘contract’ will be discussed at this meeting. You will be asked to commit yourself to fulfilling this contract in the time given.

If you successfully complete your contract on time, the referring agency will be notified that your case is formally closed.

WHAT IS THE DIVERSION CONTRACT?

Contracts are personal, individual, creative and positive. The emphasis is to design a contract, which taps into your strengths and interest. They are meant to increase self-esteem, decision-making skills and to reduce the likelihood of committing future offenses.

Contracts may include:

A formal apology

Community Service

A research paper or project

Educational classes pertinent to the offense

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

It is up to you! Diversion is a second chance and an opportunity to learn from your mistake. Successful completion of a Diversion Contract may reduce the likelihood of offending again, and the possibility of going to court.

Should you choose the Diversion Program, please know it is not an easy way out! You and your parents or guardians must be motivated to follow through and complete your Contract.

If you do not successfully complete the program, the referring agency will be notified.

Take the time to discuss diversion, and if diversion is for you, please give us a call. We are here to help!

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CONTACT:

Shawn Mickelonis, Diversion Coordinator Youths For Youths, Inc. -JCDP

Telephone: (603) 692-9394

Or you may also contact:

Marie L. Martel, Executive Director
Youths For Youths, Inc.
(603) 692-0566

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