Can My Child Avoid Juvenile Detention By Entering a Diversion Program?

 Posted on February 15, 2023 in Criminal Defense

As adults with children, we often look back on our own childhoods with amazement and perhaps a little horror. The risks of many of the behaviors we engaged in seem much more clear in hindsight, and we often hope that by raising our children right, we can help them avoid the same mistakes we made.

Unfortunately, every generation tends to make mistakes for the same reason: Until we reach adulthood, our prefrontal cortex (the part of our brain involved in decision-making and long-term planning) has yet to develop fully. This means young people make decisions using a different part of the brain known as the amygdala. The amygdala is more involved in regulating emotions, and depending on it for decision-making can lead to impulsive behaviors, participation in high-risk activities, and a sincere lack of the ability to think about the consequences of a particular action.

It is unsurprising, then, that good kids - especially boys - often make foolish and even illegal decisions when they are young. And while they still need to learn a lesson and make restitution for any wrongs they commit, a juvenile diversion program can be a great way to help them learn from their mistakes while avoiding serious juvenile or adult criminal penalties for their actions.

What Are Juvenile Diversion Programs?

In Wisconsin, juvenile diversion programs are county-based, so they will vary depending on where you live. Regardless of where you are located, all the programs focus on increasing community safety and improving the odds of a child or young adult’s success. The Milwaukee County youth justice reform system, for example, focuses on assessing a youth’s risk level and then matching them to appropriate services. These could include job training, schooling, community service, clinical therapy, substance abuse help, and other programs designed to reduce criminal behavior and recidivism.

Youth who successfully complete the diversion program’s strict requirements over a nine-month period can see their charges dropped. However, not all youth will qualify for the program; youth who commit violent crimes, are involved in a gang, commit repeated crimes, or violate the terms of probation may be tried as adults. If your child has been charged with a serious crime, it is all the more important to have the help of a juvenile criminal defense attorney because juveniles are not provided the same protections in court as adults are. A conviction for a felony crime can follow a youth for the rest of his life.

Call a Waukesha County, WI Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

At Bucher Law Group, LLC, we know you love your child and want to give them the best chance to succeed in the future. We also know that everybody makes mistakes, and we believe that young people, especially, deserve second chances. You can protect your child with the help of our Racine County, WI juvenile criminal defense attorney. Call 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

Sources:

https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/211searchprofile/render/id/16283/form/service/record_id/50223

https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DYFS/Youth-Justice-Reform

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/understanding-your-pre-teen/brain-development-teens