DIVERSION PROGRAMS FOR FIRST TIME OFFENDERS
An Alternative to Probation for Today's Youth
Chico, California
 
 
http://www.chico.ca.us/police/maincpd.html
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
    1.  The incident must be a first offense.
    2.  The offense must be a minor offense (petty theft, possession of marijuana, etc.)  
    3.  The youth must have acknowledged involvement in the crime.
    4.  The youth and family must agree to abide by the designs of a contract, once accepted.

KEY ELEMENTS OF A CONTRACT
 
    COMMUNITY SERVICE- Community service is seen as a key element to a Diversion Contract because it gives the youth a sense of responsibility and a chance to contribute to their community.
   RESTITUTION- Restitution makes the youth accountable for their actions, it is a chance for the victim to receive what they have lost.  Restitution is a monetary value placed on the damages done by the juvenile, and must be repaid within a certain time limit.
           APOLOGY LETTERS- Apology letters not only give the youth a sense of personal responsibility, but also informs the youth of everyone they have affected by their actions.  Many times the youth do not see all who are effected by their crime or offense and all of the effort and time put into dealing with their individual case.  Letters of apology are commonly written to the victim, the parents of the juvenile, and the officer who dealt with citing or arresting the youth.
    EDUCATIONAL TASKS, CAREER RESEARCH, AND CREATIVE ASSIGNMENTS, NORMALLY IN THE FORM OF AN ESSAY- these assignments not only allow the intern, who reads them, to learn more about the child and identify any unique needs or challenges the child may be facing, but also allows for the child to set goals and reflect on themselves and their actions.
    COUNSELING- Counseling allows for a youth to meet with a professional who can address their individual and specific needs.
 

 
For Butte County Department of Behavioral Health  http://www.icfs.org/bluebook/si000046.htm#46
To learn more about child support services available in your own county  http://www.childsup.cahwnet.gov/
 
 

    During meetings every effort is made to learn the reasons for a youth's delinquent behavior.  Sometimes family difficulties such as parental conflict, sibling rivalry, lack of communication, lack of discipline, and alcohol abuse are identified.  Such cases are referred to the appropriate community service agency for assistance.
 

 
 
LIVES ARE CHANGING!
Children are taking responsibility for their own actions, learning from their mistakes, and families are being strengthened.
This program is very important for the children of Butte County- and Butte County as a whole.
 
 
 
Loraine Kosa, Diversion Intern
e-mail me at lokosa@ecst.csuchico.edu