North Metro Youth Diversion Program

Pauline Mixon
Email: NMYDP@AOL.COM
1444 Wazee Street
Suite 125
Denver Co 80202
Home: (303)825-8113
Office: (303) 623-3467
Fax: (303) 623-3455

North Metro Youth Diversion Program

North Metro Youth Diversion

First-time underage alcohol and marijuana offenders, when contacted by an officer will be ticketed and given a choice of either completing an education program which they must attend with a parent if under 18, or appear in court, which will incur a court record and subjected to a fine, 24 hours public service, 90 days loss of driving privileges, reinstatement fee. The prosecutor at arraignment may also refer offenders who have not previously attended diversion to the program. Judicial advantages are that most first time offenders will no longer appear in court. Enforcement advantages are that large groups of offenders may be ticketed by a single officer using a summons including a diversion option, and may be referred directly to the program.


The Youth Diversion Program comprises two components, one for offenders under the age 18, (Teen Diversion Program) at a cost of $80.00 for the 8-hour class. For teens 18 and under, one parent or guardian must attend, however the entire family is welcome. The program for those ages 18-20 (Young Adult Diversion Program) at a cost of $100.00 for the 12-hour class. Both programs are also available to schools, families, residents and community agencies that wish to make voluntary use of the program.


Structure

A new North Metro Youth Diversion Program started June 1, 1997 in Adams County, providing education and intervention services for first-time underage offenders who have violated municipal; and state use and possession ordinances and statues, or comparable school or agency policies. Intergovernmental agreements between Adams County municipalities, school districts, and other governmental agencies have established a 20-member board to oversee the contractual agreements with the Mile High Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, who was awarded the contract in April of 97 to be the service provider for this exciting program.

Goals

?· To reduce alcohol and marijuana offenses among youth.
?· Provide tools for enhanced enforcement of juvenile offenses.
?· Reduce the numbers of first time offenders appearing in municipal and state courts.
?· Provide a model for handling other minor offenses by juveniles.


Program guidelines mandate that no direct program costs will be borne by municipalities and that administrative impact will be minimal.

Programs

Teen Alcohol Diversion Program
The Teen Alcohol Diversion Program is an education and intervention program designed to teach first time offenders under age 18 the dangers of substance abuse. The program covers, at minimum, marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs and their effects, positive alternatives, risk factors, and communication skills, while working towards positive parent-teen relationships. Juvenile offenders must attend the class with at least one parent or responsible adult. Participants may be required to submit to one random urinalysis test during the diversion period, with the cost paid by the offender, if it is deemed necessary by the instructor, parent(s), or other involved agency.

Young Adult Alcohol Diversion Program
The Young Adult Diversion Program is similar to the teen alcohol program in that it contains the same urinalysis component, and covers alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs and their effects, as well as communication skills, and positive alternatives. The program is offered to those offenders 18-20 years old. Additionally, there is an emphasis on binge drinking for this population of offenders, and parental attendance is not required, but will be encouraged when appropriate.