Many juveniles referred to juvenile court are first or second time offenders who commit misdemeanor level offenses such as shoplifting, assault 4^th degree, malicious mischief, possession of alcohol/marijuana.  These youth may be eligible for an alternative to formal court processing known as “diversion”. Diverted youth are carefully screened by the Diversion Counselor after receiving the  referral from the prosecutor’s office.  The Diversion Program meets with youth and their families to develop Diversion contracts that provide making amends for their offense to their victim, the community, and/or their families in the way of restitution, skill building classes, referral services, and projects.  These contracts are then monitored by counselors for successful completion.  Some Diversion youth are screened to Volunteer Community Accountability Boards (CAB’s) for their informal hearing.   These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds that are invested in the youth of their communities.  Volunteers are screened, trained, and monitored by Diversion Counselors.

For additonal information on Diverson contact:

Raynee Miller

Probation Counselor III

509-737-2742

raynee.miller@co.benton.wa.us

Kristi Wright

Probation Counselor II

509-222-2315

kristi.wright@co.benton.wa.us

If you are interested in Volunteering for the Diversion Program please complete the volunteer packet.