Diversion

Diversion youth are referred for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and some class C felonies, and have no more than one prior Diversion. The referrals are screened for sufficiency by the probation department at the request of the county prosecutor. Diversion may reject referrals and forward them to the prosecuting attorney for charging. Youth may likewise reject diversion

Youth eligible for Diversion are assigned to one of the following programs:

• Shoplifting Prevention Classes:  Youth who are referred to the juvenile court for shoplifting and have no criminal history are offered Diversion with the requirement that they attend a single 2.5  hour session focusing on shoplifting prevention.  They are provided with an overview of juvenile court and the impact of having a juvenile record.  There is a discussion of the social and legal ramifications of shoplifting.  It consists of lecture and films on shoplifting.  A Diversion contract is signed.
  
• Drug/Alcohol Prevention Classes:  This is a single 3 hour class for youth that are referred for both first and second  drug/alcohol offenses that are diversion elligible.  It is an education program, utilizing lecture and film, focusing on various aspects of use/misuse of alcohol/drugs.  Information on community resources for additional services is also provided.  Youth who are referred for the first time are "counseled, warned and released" and are not reported to the Department of Licensing for revocation of their driving privilege.  Youth who are referred for the second time sign a Diversion contract and the case is reported to the Department of Licensing for revocation of driving privilege. 
  
• Anger Management Clinic:  This is a program of 2 classes designed to provide basic anger management skills to youth who generally have no prior criminal history and whose offense is a fourth degree assault.  Information on community resources for additional services is also provided.
  
• Community Accountability Boards (CAB) (brochure; application {PDFs}):  Youth who are referred to Diversion meet with a Probation Counselor or Community Accountability Board (CAB), whose members are trained by the court.  The CAB is provided with a copy of the police report and meets with the youth and the youths parents to discuss the offense and impose a penalty for the offense. Typically, community services and/or a counseling or educational program and restitution are required by the Diversion contract.  The probation Counselor monitors the Diversion Contract.
  
• Teen Court:  In some communities of Snohomish County the CAB may be a teen court whose members are teenagers from the local high schools who are screened and trained to participate in this program.  First time juvenile offenders, who are accepting responsibility for the offense, participate in a sentencing hearing presented and decided by their peers.  Conditions and sanctions are imposed by a Diversion Agreement monitored by the YMCA and Juvenile Court.  Teen court offers unique opportunities for all participants to learn about the consequences of criminal behavior and to make positive contributions to the community.  Teen Court is intended to give teens the opportunity to weigh the effects of criminal behavior in their community and have a voice in determining the rights and responsibilities of individuals, decision-making in a diverse society and the role of citizens in the Juvenile Justice System.