Dallas County Juvenile Department believes that for certain youth, treatment rather than punishment alone is the most effective strategy in avoiding future involvement with the juvenile justice system. Diversion programs offer youth an opportunity to agree on voluntary conditions that closely resemble probation, but are imposed by the probation officer instead of the Court. First time offenders with minor offenses and indicate certain criminal behavior risk factors may be eligible for specific diversion programs. Successful completion of the agreed conditions allows these youth to avoid appearing in Court, and prevent them from permeating into the juvenile system.
