Building Accountability and Changing Lives
The Diversion Program is a method to hold juveniles accountable and support parental authority.
This program is for juveniles who are deemed out-of-control, run away from home, commit misdemeanor criminal offenses, or are chronically truant and assists juveniles and parents in resolving individual and/or family problems.
How It Works
Referral
The process begins with a referral of the juvenile to Youth Services, most commonly by a parent or guardian, the Clovis Police Department, or Clovis Unified School District.
Common reasons for referral:- Out of control behavior (defiance, argumentation, truancy, etc.)
- Municipal code violations (curfew, conduct, etc.)
- Misdemeanor offenses (petty theft, vandalism, battery, drug offenses, etc.)
Informal Hearing
Once referred, the juvenile and their legal guardian will attend a 45 minute informal hearing with a Juvenile Hearing Officer, who will help determine next steps and place the juvenile on a Diversion Program Contract.
Consequences may include:- Juvenile Work Program (JWP)
- Drug Education Class
- Random Drug Testing
- Writing an Essay or Letter of Apology
Diversion Contract
The Diversion Contract will outline consequences for the juvenile and expectations for improved behavior.
If they fail to complete their contract, the juvenile may be given additional Juvenile Work Program hours or, if legal offenses were committed, their case could be forwarded to the Fresno County Juvenile Probation Department for further consequences.
Benefits of the Diversion Program
- 85-90% of participants do not commit additional offenses
- Focused on prevention and early intervention
- Integrates accountability, social work, and law enforcement
- Supports parents in disciplining their children
- Diverts juveniles from formal juvenile justice system
