Diversion Program

DIVERSION OBJECTIVES

Diversion Strives:

To hold youth accountable for his/her offense(s);

To focus on victims and require restitution;

To foster change in a youths’ attitudes/behaviors so that they conform to the law and community standards through awareness and education;

To impress upon a youth that the community is concerned about his/her conduct;

To increase the youths’ awareness of the relationship between the offense(s) committed and the people injured by the offense.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Zaira Arroyo Arrieta (509) 754-5690 x 4422

GRANT COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES AND JUVENILE COURT

PO BOX 818/ 303 ABEL ROAD

EPHRATA, WA 98823

FAX: (509) 754-5797

WHAT IS DIVERSION?
Juvenile offenders of minor criminal offenses are often referred to the Grant County Youth Services Diversion Program. Diversion is an alternative intervention to the court process that will work at holding youth accountable for his/her negative behavior. Typically, these youth are between the ages of 12-17 and are referred for offenses such as shoplifting and other thefts, minor assaults, malicious mischief, trespass, and drug/alcohol related offenses. If a youth enters into a Diversion Agreement, he/she will avoid the court process altogether.

WHAT IS DIVERSION?

Juvenile offenders of minor criminal offenses are often referred to the Grant County Youth Services Diversion Program. Diversion is an alternative intervention to the court process that will work at holding youth accountable for his/her negative behavior. Typically, these youth are between the ages of 12-17 and are referred for offenses such as shoplifting and other thefts, minor assaults, malicious mischief, trespass, and drug/alcohol related offenses.

If a youth enters into a Diversion Agreement, he/she will avoid the court process altogether.

EACH DIVERSION CASE IS HANDLED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS BY DIVERSION STAFF.

A Diversion Agreement holds youth accountable by:

· Assigning youth community service work to benefit their community.

· Reimbursing victims for loss.

· Providing and referring youth to informational, educational, and/or counseling programs.

· Assigning Fees and Fines.

do all youth go through diversion?

NO…a youth must be determined to be eligible by the Grant County Juvenile Prosecuting Attorney and then referred to the Grant County Youth Services Diversion Counselor. Typically, a youth is referred to diversion for a first-time misdemeanor offense. Grant County may sometimes allow a youth two diversion opportunities. If a youth continues to re-offend, then the prosecutor has the option of filing charges in court.

HOW WILL I BE CONTACTED IF MY CHILD HAS COMMITTED AN OFFENSE?

· Ideally, you will be contacted directly by law enforcement at the time an alleged offense is being investigated.

· You will always be contacted by letter or phone from the Diversion Counselor informing you that a police report has been received and that your child’s case has been referred to the Diversion program.

· Your appointment letter will advise you of the offense and request your appearance at an informal hearing to discuss the matter.

is my child required to participate in diversion?

NO… Diversion is a voluntary program designed for youth who admit they committed an offense and agree to be accountable and responsible for their behavior. At the Diversion Hearing, your child will learn about the rights he/she has regarding Diversion.

For example, a family has the right to request legal counsel to help them decide what to do. A family is welcome to hire their own attorney to discuss the case, or they can be referred to a public defender if they cannot afford to hire an attorney. There is no penalty for requesting to speak with a lawyer. After you consult with the lawyer, you can request the case stay in Diversion or be sent to the prosecutor for consideration.

WILL THE DIVERSION SHOW UP ON MY CHILD’S RECORD?

When a youth signs a Diversion Agreement and then completes the obligations assigned by the Diversion Counselor, the offense will show on his/her criminal history record for a period of time. But it is NOT a conviction.

A youth’s diversion records can be removed from his/her criminal history IF the youth complies with all obligations AND he/she is eligible by age. At the Diversion Hearing, you will learn when and how to proceed with a request to seal/destroy your child’s diversion records.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIVERSION AND JUVENILE COURT

DIVERSION

Case records are confidential and Court appearances are not required.
Legal representation is optional.
Lower fees and fines.
A Diversion is not a conviction.

COURT

All Court hearings are open to the public and all Court records are public information.
Numerous Court appearances may be required.
Higher Court costs/ Court fees.
Right To A Trial.
A plea of guilty or a finding of guilt by the Court means a conviction for a youth.