Adolescent Diversion: A Community Based Model

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This poster will illustrate a unique collaborative partnership between a Midwest University and a County Juvenile Court. Adolescent offenders from the juvenile justice system are diverted into a program where they are mentored by undergraduate social work and criminal justice students. The focus is on disproportionate minority youth who are at a higher risk of entering the system because of risk factors such as: living in foster care, growing up with violence or being born into poverty.
This initiative is based on an “evidence based practice” model designed by community partners, including juvenile court judges, court administrators, police, county commissioners, probation officers, school personnel, and university faculty. The student interns undergo specialized training prior to serving as mentors. The intention of the program is to keep the youth from further police contact while improving school success and meeting other personal goals. One of the greatest strengths of the program is the support of various community agencies who offer services to meet the different needs of the youth. This includes physical and mental health support, tutoring, and housing support. The program has been met with tremendous success and is looking to expand to include more support for the family system.

Authors

• Jennifer Fritz, Eastern Michigan University

• Barbara Walters, Eastern Michigan University

• Bonnie Miller, Eastern Michigan University