Pennington County, SD Juvenile Diversion(text-only)

Pennington County Juvenile Diversion

Juvenile Diversion Links:

Juvenile Diversion
Teen Court
Truancy Court
Truancy Task Force
JD Information Form
SD Coalition for Children
State's Attorney

Dex Wittman
Pennington County Juvenile Diversion
300 Kansas City Street, Suite 400
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605)394-6909

E-Mail Juvenile Diversion

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Juvenile Diversion Program, which includes Teen Court and Truancy Court, is a collaboration between the Pennington County State’s Attorney, the 7th Judicial Court, and local social service providers. It is offered as an alternative to court involvement for juvenile offenders ages 10-17.

Charges typically eligible for diversion include:

Minor consumption/possession of alcohol
Shoplifting
Simple assault
Disorderly conduct
Disturbance in school
Truancy
Possession of tobacco, marijuana or drug paraphernalia

OUR PURPOSE

The Juvenile Diversion Program is designed to help offenders understand the consequences of their crimes and help them make better choices about their futures. While requirements are stringent, participants can complete the program while remaining in school and participating in other ongoing activities.

HOW SERVICES ARE PROVIDED

To develop the most effective program, an initial needs assessment is conducted with the offender and his or her family to determine needs and set goals. Depending on the offense committed and the individual needs of each offender, staff may recommend any or all the following:

Community Service
Drug testing
Writing an apology letter to the victim
Drug/alcohol evaluations
Mediation through the Center for Restorative Justice
Participating on a M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel
Taking classes
Additional screening and evaluations, either during the program or after its conclusion

KEY PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Through a combination of needs assessment, counseling, classes and other activities, the three-month program works to:

Reduce the number of first-time offenders exposed to the justice system
Provide services to meet the needs of offenders and their families
Hold juveniles accountable for their actions
Reduce the rate of juvenile re-offenders

A Consent to Diversion form which describes the Juvenile Diversion Program and details what will be required to successfully complete it, is prepared and signed by both the offender and his or her parents. Juvenile Diversion staff may make random contact with the offender and his or her family during the course of the program to make sure that program requirements are being met and to monitor progress; however, the primary responsibly for completing the program rests with the offender and the family.

CLASSES AND SERVICES

The following are some of the classes and other activities that may be required during the three-month program. Participants are responsible for all program costs. Scholarships may be available for families needing financial assistance.

Property Offense and Stop & Think Classes
A two-hour class emphasizing choices and consequences.

Community Service
Juveniles work as volunteers in the community for a specific number of hours in either Diversion-arranged projects or at other sites arranged by the family.

M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel
Juveniles attend a presentation by individuals whose lives have been affected by drinking and driving accidents.

Tattoo Removal
Juveniles wanting tattoos removed, can be referred to T.R.U.S.T. (Tattoo Removal Unified Support Team)

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