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Juvenile Diversion Program
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The purpose of the Juvenile Diversion program is to offer solutions to problems in our own community concerning youth. This eases the caseload of juvenile court and allows our community to have input in dealing with juvenile offenders. The community benefits by having the juveniles held to a stricter set of guidelines and expectations compared to juvenile court. The Juvenile Diversion Program is run by Det. Greg Kopniske. When a juvenile is arrested for a first-time misdemeanor criminal offense, the victim of the crime has the option of having the case heard in juvenile court or through the diversion program. Participation in the program requires the juvenile offender and his/her parent or guardian to enter into a contract with the diversion program. As part of this contract, the juvenile must admit his/her guilt to the crime committed. Other sanctions include drug and/or alcohol testing, continued adherence to home and school rules, and community service hours. Upon successful fulfillment of the program, the juvenile has no criminal record. Through the use of community service hours, juveniles learn that there are consequences to the decisions they make. The program also utilizes various community agencies to empower parents by helping them learn how to hold their child accountable. |
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Juvenile Diversion Program Contacts |