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Juvenile Probation Services
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About Probation
Diversion
Diversion is the least restrictive way of dealing with juveniles who are referred for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and some felonies. A juvenile who qualifies for a diversion does not go to court, there is no trial before a judge, and the juvenile is not placed on probation. The juvenile and their parents / guardians will meet with either a community accountability board or with the assigned probation counselor to determine the diversion agreement requirements.The juvenile will be required to sign a diversion agreement, which is a contract between the juvenile and the court. A diversion agreement does not result in a conviction and the record is not available to the public. Upon the youth’s request, diversion records can be both sealed and destroyed in accordance with RCW 13.50.050.
A diversion agreement may require the juvenile to complete one or more of the following conditions:
o Attend counseling/educational classes
o Positive youth development programming
o Perform community service
o Pay restitution
Probation Services
Juvenile Probation Counselors (JPC) in court intake meet with the juvenile and their family to determine eligibility for a diversion program or to prepare for a disposition / sentencing of the case should the youth be found guilty of breaking the law. The court intake JPCs will conduct a risk and needs pre-screen assessment to determine the youth’s supervision level and eligibility for juvenile court programs and services.Juvenile Probation Counselors specialize in assessing a youth’s risk to re-offend in the community. JPCs have specialized training to engage and motivate youth to change behaviors that get them in trouble with the law.
Youth are provided services facilitated by juvenile probation counselors who are trained in the Case Management Assessment Process (CMAP). These juveniles are monitored for their compliance with an intervention plan, community service requirements, school attendance, counseling, restitution order, and other conditions imposed by the judge.