Juvenile Probation Services

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.

Truancy 

Snohomish County is dedicated to working with truant youth in a manner that will be most effective at reducing truant behavior and increasing graduation rates. We partner with school districts and community stakeholders to create a supportive and effective response to youth who demonstrate truant behavior in Snohomish County. For more information, please see the Truancy page.

Special Sex Offender Treatment (SSODA) 

The SSODA was instituted for juveniles pursuant to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 13.40.160(5), for sex offenses as outlined in RCW 9.94A.030. The purpose is to provide the Court with pre-disposition sexual deviancy evaluations that address community safety and the youth’s ability to be successful in treatment. The evaluation also recommends the post-disposition treatment while youth are on community supervision.

Substance Use Disorder/Mental Health Disposition (SUDMHD) 

The SUDMHD addresses youth chemical dependency issues. The purpose of this disposition alternative is to ensure successful treatment options to reduce recidivism and that the treatment services are made available to eligible youth, pursuant to RCW 70.96A.