JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM

As the level of violent juvenile crime rises, we must pursue programs that separate the serious violent offenders from those juveniles who are first-time offenders and still amenable to rehabilitation. The Juvenile Diversion Program began in 1974 and has subsequently been adopted throughout the state. The measure of the program's success is in its extremely low rate of recidivism, which translates into a safer community for our citizens.

John R. Newsome
District Attorney

The District Attorney's Office Juvenile Diversion Program was founded in 1974 to ease the burden placed on the courts by a rapidly growing juvenile population. The program accepts only those offenders whose behavior patterns and attitudes suggest that immediate, non-judicial intervention would lower the risk of their re-offending. If the needs of the juvenile cannot be addressed within the program, he/she will be recommended for court intervention.

The program serves juveniles in El Paso and Teller counties, ages l0 through l7, who have committed a first-time, non-violent offense. Participation in the program can last a maximum of one year. The main objective of the program is to prevent further delinquency through individual attention, counseling, and access to community services.

An intake coordinator meets with each client and his\her family to assess their case. If the client is accepted the following may occur:

• immediate problems are addressed by providing any or all of the following:
  • parent and youth groups
  • Counseling
  • Juvenile case management
• referrals are made to appropriate public and/or private community resources to address special needs which require long-term attention
• appropriate youth may receive assistance in obtaining employment

Participation in the Juvenile Diversion Program is voluntary and must be agreed to by the offender (client), his/her parents or legal guardian and the staff intake coordinator. The components of the individualized plan are incorporated into a written contract.

By choosing to participate in the Juvenile Diversion Program, the client is waiving his/her right to go to court and is agreeing to:

• accept responsibility for making necessary changes in behavior
• not re-offend
• pay restitution to victim(s), when applicable

If the juvenile fails to comply with contract terms and/or re-offends while on the program, he/she can be recommended for court intervention. If the recommendation is based on re-offense, the juvenile can be prosecuted on both charges. If the juvenile successfully completes his/her contract, the charge(s) are dismissed upon such completion.

For additional information you may call (719) 520-6074.