Diversion
Information about the Juvenile Diversion Program

The goals and objectives of the Diversion Unit are:
- To hold the youth accountable for his or her offense(s)
- To foster change in the offender's attitudes and behaviors so that they conform to the law and community standards
- To impress upon the offender that the community is concerned with his or her conduct
- To increase the offender's awareness of the relationship between the offense committed and the people injured by the offense
Diversion
- All proceedings are confidential
- Case records are confidential
- Legal representation is not required
Juvenile Court
- All hearings are open to the public
- Court records are public information
- Numerous court appearances may be required
- Court fees and/or fines are usually assigned
- The parent/guardian may have to reimburse the court for the public defender and a private attorney may charge fees for representation
- The youth may be sentenced to community supervision (probation)
In Cowlitz County these cases are typically handled on an individual basis by the juvenile department's Diversion Counselor. After receipt of a police referral, the counselor contacts the parent/guardian and the child to set up an appointment. This appointment is called a "diversion appointment" and the youth will be advised of his/her rights and will be given information about the diversion process. The nature of the offense and a review of the police report will be discussed and the child will enter into a diversion contract if everyone is in agreement.
A diversion agreement is a contract between the youth, his/her parent or guardian and the Juvenile Department which holds the youth accountable for the offense by:
- Assigning community service work to benefit the youth's community
- Requiring reimbursement to the victims
- Requiring attendance at informational/educational programs
The diversion counselor will also assist the family in finding needed services for the offender.