Juvenile Restorative Panel (JRP)
JRPs give adjudicated youth the opportunity to accept responsibility
for their actions, make amends to the victims, and explore ways
to improve their behavior. During a JRP hearing, volunteers create
a restorative agreement outlining specific conditions to be met
by the juvenile in order to repair the harm done and restore
a sense of safety to the community. As part of the juvenile program,
we operate Streetcheckers, as well as a life skills program. |
Court Diversion
Court Diversion is a community-based alternative to traditional
court proceedings. Diversion is available to juvenile and adult
first-time offenders who are referred by the State's Attorney
or directly by the police.
Offenders must accept responsibility for the offense.
Once referred to Diversion, offenders meet with a case worker
who conducts an assessment to identify mental health, substance
abuse, or learning-related needs. Ultimately, the client comes
before a hearing board of community volunteers who listen to
the client’s story and then create a contract that may
include such things as restitution, counseling, and community
service.
Upon successful completion of the program, charges against the
offender are dismissed, and, if there is no further legal trouble
for two years, the offender's record is sealed. Failure to complete
the contract results in the case being returned to court for
prosecution. |
Alcohol Safety Program
(ASP)
ASP is an alternative to court for minors with
a first offense for possession of malt liquor. This educational
program is interactive and concentrates on the use of alcohol,
self-assessment, high-risk behaviors, peer pressure, and self-esteem. |
