What is the Diversion Program?
The Diversion Program processes first time juvenile offenders in Washington County.  This is an alternative to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) becoming involved with a youth.   As long as a youth is cooperative with the Diversion Program the youth will not be referred to DJS and will not have a juvenile record. The Diversion Program also processes CINS (child in need of supervision) applications received by DJS.

What will happen at the intake conference?
First the staff will explain the program. Program staff will then go through a standard questionnaire/ assessment to better understand the youth and possible areas of concern. A Diversion Contract will then be reviewed which will outline the consequences/ services that will be required of the youth. This appointment will take 15- 60 minutes. This is not a court hearing.

How long is a case opened?
Contracts generally last 30-90 days depending on the offense and the consequences assigned.

What consequences will be assigned?
Consequences are assigned at the intake meeting according to offense however the most common consequences assigned are community services hours, educational classes, addiction services, mental health services and anger management.

What if the youth is non-compliant or receives another charge?
If a youth is non-compliant with the Diversion contract or receives a second charge during the contract period the case is closed and forwarded to DJS.

How do you file a CINS application?
The parent or legal guardian completes the application at the DJS office.  The application must indicate in detail what the youth is doing to require intervention.  The application must also indicate what services/ assistance has been used or attempted to resolve the difficulties.

What happens after a CINS application is completed?
An intake will be scheduled and completed with a case manager.  During the intake it will be determined what the concerns are and the appropriate interventions needed to address those concerns. A contract will be developed with the youth and the parent outlining expectations.   The case manager will provide resource information as well as link youth to appropriate community based services.  The case manager will also provide on going case monitoring, crisis intervention, and parental support.

How long are services provided for a CINS case?
Services are on two levels depending on the needs of the youth and their family.  Level 1 service includes regular phone contacts and last 3 months.  Level 2 service includes regular visits from the case manager to the home and school and last 6 months.

Can the youth be removed from the home because a CINS application has been completed?
The Diversion Program does not  have the authority or the ability to remove a child from the home or the community.  The goal of the Diversion Program is to provide community based services to keep youth in the home.

What if the youth is not cooperative after a CINS application is completed?
The services provided by the Diversion Program are voluntary and if the youth refuses to cooperate the case manager will work with parents on an individual basis to determine other appropriate options.