Juvenile Diversion Services
The mission of Juvenile Diversion Services, NFP is to address, educate, coordinate, and provide support to young people and their families at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system and to educate, coordinate, and provide support to the community on a local level and with intent to reach others nationally to address policies relating to juvenile involvement in the criminal justice system. Juvenile Diversion (JD) improves community involvement, gives students additional positive adult role models, provides adults a positive way to hold students accountable for their behavior, and reduces cost to the community by keeping youth out of court. The majority of students who complete the program do not commit additional offenses. After sixteen years of successful partnerships between the local criminal justice system, parents, volunteers, students, and the local community, Juvenile Diversion Services, NFP became a 501c3 in 2022. By providing these services, JD helps to stop the cycle of recidivism before it can begin, thus improving the chances for success in life for these youth in need. JD serves an average of 50-75 students annually. Gateway Family Church has partnered with Juvenile Diversion Services, NFP by providing in-kind gifts such as a meeting place and administrative services.
Please contact us at: Diversionservices4@gmail.com
Juvenile Diversion Program
This is a pre-trial program for minors providing first time offenders a positive alternative to juvenile court. Young offenders facing criminal charges will have the opportunity to participate in the program which, through structured activities aims to: improve attitude, self-image, self-esteem, better methods of communication, conflict resolution, goal setting, career planning, developing positive relationships and preventing a decision to break the law again. Upon completion of the program graduates are invited to serve in an intern role providing an example to current students of the program.
Who’s Eligible?
Referrals to the program are made by parents, law enforcement and youth workers of Madison and St Clair County communities. Participants are typically between the ages of ten and seventeen. Other factors include; prior criminal convictions, severity of the offense, facts sustaining proof of the alleged offense, and surrounding circumstances. Once a referral has contacted the Diversion Office an intake interview is scheduled with the youth & his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).
Interview Process
An interview consists of a written questionnaire as well as an interview with the youth, a parent or guardian and Diversion Staff. Upon completion of an interview and with consensus of the Diversion Staff, the youth and parent or guardian, the Diversion Contract must be signed by the youth and parent before admission.
Successful Completion
Upon successfully completing the program requirements, the alleged offense will be dismissed by the municipalities. However, should a youth not meet the program requirements, they will be redirected to the charging agency, which typically results in prosecution. Over 70% of those completing the program do not re-offend within 6 months of graduation.
Giving Back
All participants are required to complete either 40 hours of pre-approved community service or participate in up to 3 Saturday morning work projects with other youth and adults of the Diversion program. Contact us today at:
Meeting Topics, These and more…
Madison County Courthouse Tour
Induction and Graduation proceedings and a discussion of program requirements with a Judge, Prosecutor and Law Enforcement personnel.
Volunteerism
Benefits of volunteering and giving to their community, Discussion of the community service requirement and the alternative of Saturday group projects
Self Esteem
Co-ed program to build positive self-esteem and the importance of healthy life choices
Careers and Future Planning
Career planning, interviewing techniques, completing job applications, proper dress, and how to keep a job
Sexual Health
Resources concerning a student’s sexual health and the risks associated with sexual activity as Juveniles.
Drugs and Alcohol
Realities of Drug and Alcohol usage, medical and legal effects of substance abuse
Volunteer Involvement
Each group is staffed with volunteer adult leaders. The leaders are responsible for arranging speakers, facilitating each program meeting, providing guidance and encouragement, maintaining records and serving as a positive role model. Over 20 different volunteer resource speakers from our community will present the program features.
Program Outline
The Madison County Juvenile Diversion Program serves local municipalities in providing an option of diversion to young legal offenders in order to possibly maintain a clean legal record. Youth must participate in structured group meetings focused on teaching “realities of breaking the law” and positive options for their future.
Meetings are held bimonthly for at least 6 months & students must complete 40 hours of community service
Re-offending during the program may cause both new and original offenses to be prosecuted.
Parental support and attendance at required meetings and activities facilitates growth of the family.
Program Benefits
By providing this opportunity, youth are given the chance to maintain a clean record. Studies show it is best to keep a first time offender out of court if at all possible. The program saves tax dollars. It also saves the cost and time of judges, prosecutors, probation officers & staff, thus allowing juvenile court more time to address more serious matters requiring court intervention.
Funding
Each youth is required to pay a $50.00 registration fee in order to participate, however no one is denied the opportunity due to inability to pay. Financial needs are considered on a case by case basis.
We are proud to be a part in Madison County’s Juvenile Diversion program, which allows youth who are first time offenders a second chance through rehabilitative and work programs and mentorship. If they are compliant they may qualify to have their records expunged. Juveniles are required to attend meetings and do community service.
For more information on the program, please contact the church office at (618) 243-0203 or contact the Madison County Courthouse.
In the News
Edwardsville Police Thank Juvenile Diversion Program with Donation- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/DpS81TxKUmTqoe9H/
Local Youths Graduate from Unique Juvenile Diversion Program- https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/local-youths-graduate-from-unique-juvenile-diversion-program-60281.cfm
Second Chances Matter- https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Second-chances-matter-17342894.php
Students to graduate from Juvenile Diversion program- https://www.advantagenews.com/news/students-to-graduate-from-juvenile-diversion-program/article_6e1c8929-27df-5e31-b193-34e36947a401.html
Poking Around: An alternative to juvenile court for teens headed down wrong path- https://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/news/stevepokin/pokin-around-an-alternative-to-juvenile-court-for-teens-headed-down-wrong-path/article_d957430f-25b3-502e-8583-871409937e9c.html