Court Diversion is an early-intervention program that works with first-time juvenile offenders. If accepted into the program, you will only be able to take advantage of it once; Diversion is a one-shot deal.

Diversion recognizes that you made a mistake. The program allows you the opportunity to take responsibility and learn from your mistakes without going to court and potentially having a juvenile record. It is up to you what you make of this opportunity.

The intent of this program is to help youths and their families learn to make better choices, so that they may reach their potential as valuable members of society.

The Local Police Department and/or court, along with the Court Diversion Program, will screen juvenile cases for initial acceptance into the program, based upon the following criteria:

• It is your first offense
• You are under the age of 18*
• You are willing to take full responsibility for the offense
• It is a chargeable offense; the facts of the case would justify a court hearing
• The facts of the police report are not contested
• Serious or physcially aggressive offenses excluded

Once the referral is made by the police or juvenile court, you and at least one parent or guardian will meet with a Diversion Staff Member to make a final determination of eligibliity. Also at that time, staff will gather background information, discuss the incident, the program and your responsibiliities as a participant.

Information collected at this meeting is compiled, along with the police report and other records.

You and at least one parent of guardian would then appear before a Juvenile Diversion Panel to discuss the situation and to determine an appropriate plan of accountability. This plan or "contract" is presented to you at this meeting. You will be asked to commit yourself to fulfilling this contract in the time given.

If you successfully complete your contract on time, the police department or court which referred you will be notified that your case is formally closed.

• A formal Apology
• Restitution for property loss or damage
• Community service
• A research paper or project
• A personal development project

Each case is unique, and the emphasis is to design a contract which taps into your strengths and interests. Contracts are personal, individual, creative and positive. They are meant to increase self-esteem, decision-making skills, and to reduce the likelihood of you committing future offenses.

• If you or your parent request it.
• Committing a second offense.
• Not completing your contract in the time given to you.
• Having a poor attitude or showing poor behavior.

• Effective means of reducing the costs of court intervention.
• Involves members of the community in fostering the positive development of its youth.
• Service projects for the communities in which we all live.
• Avoids many of the negative consequences of labeling youths as "delinquents."
• Community-based alternative to community problems.
• Empowering youths with the ownership of and responsibility for their community.
• Educating families about other existing services.

Auburn........................483-0775

Berlin/Gorham.............752-1872

Carrol County:

Northern.....................447-5246

Northern & Southern..1-800-552-8960

Claremont...................543-0427

Concord......................225-5445

Derry...........................432-8882

Franklin........................934-1015

Goffstown.....................497-8726

Hillsboro.......................464-5779

Keene...........................357-9810/9811

Laconia.........................524-9457

Lancaster......................788-3906

Manchester...................624-6470

Plaistow........................382-9341

Plymouth.......................536-9773

Portsmouth....................430-8570/431-1233

Rochester......................332-4120

Tilton.............................286-8577

• Youth Services Bureau (Main Page)
• Upswing Program
• Challenge Program
• Out of School Suspension Program
• Teen Court