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Pennington County Home > Juvenile Diversion |
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WORKING CLOSELY WITH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS HELPING AND SUPPORTING YOUTH
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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:
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- 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
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| KEY PROGRAM COMPONENTS |
| Through a combination of needs assessment, counseling, classes and
other activities, the three-month program works to:
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- 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Property Offense and Stop & Think Classes |
| A two-hour class emphasizing choices and consequences. |
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| 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. |
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| M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel |
| Juveniles attend a presentation by individuals whose lives have been affected by drinking and
driving accidents. |
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| Tattoo Removal |
| Juveniles wanting tattoos removed, can be referred to T.R.U.S.T. (Tattoo Removal Unified Support Team) |
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