Juvenile Restorative Probation Program (JRPP)

JRPP gives adjudicated youth the opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions, make amends to the victims, and explore ways to improve their behavior. During a Juvenile Restorative Panel (JRP), community volunteers create a restorative agreement outlining specific conditions to be met by the offender to repair the harm done and restore a sense of safety to the community. As part of the JRPP, we offer community supervision and life-skills classes.

Court Diversion

Court Diversion is a community-based alternative to traditional court proceedings. Diversion is available to juvenile and adult offenders who are referred by the State's Attorney or directly by the police. Offenders must accept responsibility for their offense.

Once referred to Court 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 restorative contract that may include such conditions as financial 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.

Cannabis Education Program (CEP)

The Cannabis Program is designed for youth ages 15-24 charged with possession of small amounts of marijuana. The class syllabus includes both cannabis information and emotional skills development. The objective is to improve social and emotional competence, as well as communication within the family.