Dallas County Diversion Programs/ Courts- Putting Youth First

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Dallas County Juvenile Department (Dallas County, Texas) currently offers several diversionary programs that fit the needs and best interests of the youth and community. This roundtable session will discuss in detail the highlights of each program.

E.S.T.E.E.M. Court (Experiencing Success Through Empowerment, Encouragement and Mentoring) is a diversion program and is targeted specifically at combating the potential for sexual exploitation and prostitution among at-risk juvenile girls.

Diversion Male Court reduces racial and ethnic disparities within the Dallas County Juvenile Justice system by targeting minority males with limited involvement with the justice system.

Mental Health Court gives youth with a mental health disorder tools to reduce further justice system involvement.

Front End Diversion Initiative (F.E.D.I.) assists youth with minor offenses and are battling a mental health diagnosis.

Drug Diversion Program identifies and intervenes in youth’s substance abusing behavior.

Family Violence Intervention Program: Youth and their families with a misdemeanor first offense of assault or family violence work with a counselor from Jewish Family Service to address stressors that lead to violent behavior.

Sub Unit

• Area VIII: Roundtables

Chair

• Danny W. Pirtle, Dallas County Juvenile Department

Participants

• Diane Boyd, Dallas County Juvenile Department

• Nina Kang, Dallas County Juvenile Department

• Lisa Murad, Dallas County Juvenile Department