 The Municipal Juvenile Diversion Program operates out of 191J Municipal Juvenile Court and is designed to provide an alternative to the traditional court process for juveniles who have violated a Municipal Ordiance such as Curfew, Petty Theft and minor assaults. Pending approval by the City Attorney, youth with little or no previous juvenile court involvement are eligible to participate in the program. The Diversion Program is a voluntary program however youth choosing to participate in the program are afforded certain benefits not available to those youth who choose not to participate with the main benefit being the case being dismissed upon successful completion of the program. Youth and their parent/guardian meet with a Diversion Officer to complete an assessment which is designed to help identify client strengths and weaknesses. Diversion requirements are set at this meeting and the family receives a referral for services. If the youth completes all requirements, the ticket will be dismissed and the youth will have no conviction on their juvenile record. Youth participating in Diversion do not have to pay court costs, fees or fines unless they do not complete the program. Diversion requirements are individualized for each youth and can range from classes facilitated by Diversion Officers such as drug and alcohol prevention, to referrals to community-based organizations for services including but not limited to conflict resolution/anger management and counseling.
For additional information contact Patrick Hedrick at 720-913-4615.
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