Juvenile Delinquency First-Time Offender Diversion Program

Washington County is blessed to have a diverse, capable and growing population of youth. Part of youth development can include missteps that result in harm to others and a violation of laws. While, the Juvenile Department provides an important role in addressing delinquent behaviors, the most effective response to first time low level offenses is to address them at a community level and to divert them from the juvenile justice system. The County desires to work collaboratively with our cities, schools, community organizations, law enforcement and service providers to support youth referred to the Juvenile Department for first time delinquency to have an opportunity to be diverted from the juvenile system through engagement in a community program. We are seeking a community provider to enter a contract to work with these youth from a restorative justice lens to support each youth to take responsibility for any harm caused, to support victims of delinquent acts to be restored and to support youth to engage in activities and programs that increase positive development, positive cultural identity and connects them with their communities. A strong base of support at the County and across school districts and law enforcement agencies is on deck to support the contractor to develop, initiate, implement and evaluate the program.