Crime & Safety
Juvenile Diversion Program Renewed for 2011
Effort keeps kids charged with minor offenses out of court system
The city has renewed an agreement with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court for a diversion program that allows youths who commit misdemeanor offenses to work off their crime in a community diversion program.
The effort gives first-offending kids a chance to stay out of the court system and avoid a criminal record.
Deputy Police Chief James Kobak said about 100 kids a year go through the program. About 90 percent successfully complete it.
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The city has approved an annual agreement with the Juvenile Court since 2005.
The diversion program typically applies to non-violent offenses like criminal damaging, trespassing, petty theft and truancy.
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Attorneys volunteer as magistrates who hear the complaints against the youngsters and mete out a punishment that fits the crime, often entailing restitution to the victim, community service work or writing an essay or apology.
Cuyahoga County reimburses the city for part of the cost of running the program.
The youth's parents must also be involved in the diversion program. If the child completes the program, he is not charged with a crime and the family need not appear in Juvenile Court.
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