An Illinois Juvenile Diversion Program May Help Your Son or Daughter Avoid Incarceration

 Posted on August 19, 2019 in Uncategorized

If you are a parent, you probably spend a lot of time worrying about your child and the decisions he or she is making. Unfortunately, children and teenagers can sometimes get involved with the wrong crowd and make decisions which lead to criminal charges. Young people may behave in reckless or illegal ways because they are trying to fit in, they struggle with an addiction or mental health problem, or for other reasons. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime, it is possible that a diversion program could help them avoid jail time and turn their life around.

What is the Purpose of a Diversion Program?

Juvenile detention is similar to adult incarceration. Minors who are convicted of a crime are sent to juvenile detention as a punishment for their wrongdoing. Juvenile diversion programs are an alternative to incarceration which may be more likely to help your child stay out of the criminal justice system in the future. While the structure of juvenile diversion programs varies from program to program, they all share the same goal: to help juveniles avoid becoming repeat offenders. Diversion programs can be highly beneficial to young people and their families. Studies have shown that diversion programs are more effective at preventing future illegal activity than incarceration in juvenile detention is.

What Services Does a Diversion Program Include?

Diversion programs can provide many services to youth offenders including:

• Job skills training;
• Educational opportunities and tutoring;
• Service-learning programs;
• Screening and assessments;
• Family counseling;
• Mental health treatment;
• Crisis intervention; and
• Recreation and sports programs.

In many instances, a diversion program can be customized to meet the specific needs of the juvenile participating in the program. It is important to note that not every youth offender may be eligible for a diversion program. These programs are generally reserved for young people who have been accused of minor offenses or who do not have an extensive criminal record.

Contact a Will County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

At our firm, we understand that having a child be accused of a crime can be devastating to the whole family. We believe that young people who have made a mistake deserve a second chance. We will work hard to help your child avoid detention at all costs. Speak with experienced Joliet juvenile defense attorney from the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. to learn more about alternative sentencing for your child. Call us today at 815-740-4025 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.