Youth Program: Deferred Sentencing & Juvenile Deversion
One of the last things any parent or guardian wants to hear is that their teen has to appear in court. Regardless of circumstance, it's important to remember that our sons and daughters are often as scared as we are. We must keep in mind that acting out in any form is usually a subconscious cry for help.
Although navigating the juvenile court system can be scary for any family, it can also be the first step in getting your daughter or son the support they're desperately asking for. Our YouthZone case management team works alongside our local court system to assist the community's teens with their deferred or suspended sentencing program. If programming is successfully completed, no charges are filed.
Growth doesn't come from punitive punishment. It comes from community compassion.
Learn more in the Post Independent's YouthZone Column article titled "Why Diversion Programs are Important" by Airen Goodman, YouthZone's Program Director and CYDC and Senate Bill 94 Coordinator.