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District Attorney’s Office for Parish of St. John the Baptist
Juvenile Justice Division

JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM

 

Juvenile diversion is an accountability program through the District Attorney’s Office that offers juvenile offenders an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, provide an alternative to appearing before the Court and avoid a juvenile criminal record.

 

If deemed appropriate and accepted into the Diversion Program, youth and parents sign a Diversion Agreement that is six months to 1 year in length. A Diversion Team consisting of the prosecutors and investigators assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division works with the juvenile and his/her family to create a Diversion Agreement that will outline the appropriate conditions based on risk assessment, criminal history, recommendations and the severity of the charge(s). Depending on the nature of the charges, interested parties such as victims, teachers, truancy officers, counselors, court probation officers, and FINS workers may also have some input on recommendations.

 

Certain conditions are a part of every Diversion Contract:

  • Will not violate any municipal, county, state or federal laws.
  • Will not possess or consume any alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Will attend and actively participate in school.
  • Will not commit violations of school district policies or individual school rules. (This includes but is not limited to detentions, disruptive behavior and unexcused truancy or excessive tardiness).
  • Community Service
  • Meet with representative of Diversion Team as requested.

 

A Contract may also include, but is not limited to, any of the following conditions:

  • Submit to and pay for drug/alcohol testing.
  • Pay restitution & complete a letter of apology to victim if appropriate.
  • Attend individual, family or group counseling or cooperate with FINS.
  • Participate in educational programs that relate to the nature of the crime committed.
  • Possible suspension of driving privilege.
  • Curfew restrictions.
  • Reading, creative writing or other “think about it” or reflection based assignments.
  • Any other conditions that are deemed appropriate in each case.

 

The Diversion Program also seeks active support and participation of the juvenile’s parent(s).

 

Upon successful completion of the Diversion Contract, the charges are dismissed or refused.

 

Diversion is limited to a one-time offer. If other offenses occur, Diversion may be revoked and charges filed.

 

As part of the Diversion Agreement, the child and his or family may be required to pay for his or her own educational classes, evaluations through local mental health providers, any drug/alcohol testing, and of course any restitution that may be owed to the victim.