    |
       |
| Mary Lacy - Boulder District Attorney |
|
Contract ConditionsCertain conditions are a part of every Diversion agreement. Juveniles are required to receive no new criminal offenses, and to abstain from drug and alcohol use. They are required to attend school regularly and/or maintain a full-time job. A contract may include, but is not limited to, any combination of the following conditions: Letter of ApologyIn at least three paragraphs, the juvenile must take full responsibility for his/her misconduct, apologize for the harm he/she has caused, and list the consequences received as a result of the incident. Community Service WorkThe amount issued is based on the severity of the offense and the juvenile's criminal history. Juveniles can perform community service at any non-profit agency that is approved by the Diversion staff. Restitution The restitution amount is determined by Nancy Hughes in the Juvenile Division. Nancy forwards a restitution spec sheet to the diversion staff. The diversion staff alerts the juvenile as to the amount and methods of payment, and forwards a copy of the spec sheet to the clerk of the court. The Diversion staff develops a payment plan and monitors the juvenile's restitution account. The clerk of the court collects payment. Drug Testing Many juveniles are required to submit to random urinalysis screening to monitor abstinence from drug use. Counseling, Individual or Family Juveniles required to participate in individual and/or family counseling may choose a certified provider, or receive low-cost counseling through Boulder County Mental Health (443-8500). Counseling requirements are determined by the recommendations of the therapist. Life Skills Classes through Compass House Compass House offers education/ prevention programs to juveniles and their parents. Topics include: Decision Making, Problem Solving, and Anger Management. In addition to education and prevention, Compass House also offers therapeutic interventions for substance abuse and mental health issues. Restorative Justice Circles Some juvenile cases are appropriate to be resolved through the Restorative Justice model. RJ is a process through which the offender and his/her family, the victim and his/her family and some community members get together to discuss how the crime has affected them and what can be done to bring healing and closure to all parties involved. School Plan/Attendance Juveniles who are at risk for dropping out of school are required to develop an educational plan with their school incorporating attendance, special needs, and sanctions for violating the agreement. These juveniles are required to submit progress reports upon request. Mentors High-risk juveniles are matched with a partner who provides one-on-one mentorship throughout Diversion. Partners meet with juveniles once a week, and report to the Diversion staff on their progress. The main goal of the partner is to aid the juvenile in completing Diversion contract conditions. Employment Juveniles over 16 are often required to get a part- time job. These juveniles are expected to submit five applications a week until they obtain a job. The primary reason behind this requirement is to assure that the juvenile pays restitution in full. Diversion Meetings Juveniles are required to meet regularly with the Diversion staff. The frequency of the meetings is determined by the severity of the crime, the age of the youth and his/her presenting needs. Juveniles who reside in Longmont meet their caseworkers in Longmont.
|
|