Navigating the juvenile court system can be scary.

It can also be the first step in getting your child the support they're desperately asking for. For many first-time offenses, teens will be offered diversion, giving them the opportunity to forgo prosecution and complete a YouthZone program instead. If they complete their program successfully, they can get their charges dropped or sentences reduced.

Each client is paired with a Youth Advocate who guides them through the court system, checks in with them on a regular basis, and offers tailored support based on their needs. Read more about the variety of services that are offered via our diversion programs.

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.