Diversion is a way to handle some juvenile cases without going to court. When a young person is accused of a low-level offense and has no prior record, Juvenile Intake may offer diversion instead of filing a formal court charge. Diversion allows the youth to take responsibility for their actions and address the situation in a constructive way. This process focuses on accountability, learning, and preventing future problems, while helping families avoid formal court involvement whenever possible.

• evidence that a crime has been committed,
• the charge(s) is eligible, and
• the child accepts responsibility for their actions.

The intake officer makes recommendations to the family and may encourage participating in treatment programs.  After successful completion of a diversion program, the child will not have a criminal court conviction. Types of diversion programs include:

• Diversion Hearing:  A child may attend a Diversion Hearing.  During the hearing, a hearing officer, the juvenile, and the parents/guardians discuss the situation. The complainant and victim may also be present. The victim may appear in person or provide a written statement.  At the end of the hearing, the child receives some type of sanction.  Sanctions may include community service, mental health or substance abuse counseling/interventions, or completion of a court-approved program.
• Monitored Diversion Program:  A child may participate in Monitored Diversion where he or she is monitored/supervised by a diversion counselor for a period up to 90 days.
• Unofficial Counseling:  An intake officer may offer to counsel to your child.  This may or may not include a referral to an outside agency such as Alcohol and Drug Services, mental health services, etc.
• Community Service and/or Victim Impact/Core Values Classes:  Community Service is a way for a juvenile to do work that will benefit the community.  Victim Impact/Core Values classes focus on teaching a juvenile the consequences of crime through homework and class discussion.
• other diversion programs as available.

If a youth does not complete the sanctions or recommendations made during diversion, an intake officer may file a petition.  Staff may also file a petition if the child receives additional charges during the diversion period.  When a petition is filed, it begins the formal court process.