Essex District Attorney's Enhanced Youthful Diversion Program

The OJJDP FY 09 Earmarks Programs further the Department's mission by providing grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended, to organizations identified in the Explanatory Statement Regarding H.R. 1105 (Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009), 155 Cong. Rec. H1653 (daily ed. Feb. 23, 2009) (statement by Rep. Obey, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations of the House).

The Essex District Attorney plans to maintain its Youthful Diversion Program currently being offered in all eight district courts in Essex County. Funding would allow the District Attorney's Office to retain two Juvenile Justice Coordinators to continue the current level of services. The Youthful Diversion Program is a proven and effective model based on the belief that not all cases are best handled through a formal complaint and court hearing. The Youthful Diversion Program, which was created in response to concerns about underage substance abuse, provides the opportunity for youth to receive services in lieu of prosecution. This program offers first time, non-violent offenders an alternative to the court system. The Youthful Diversion Program provides eligible offenders the opportunity to receive services such as counseling, educational programs, perform community service and, in some cases, make restitution. Successful completion of the program results in the matter being disposed without a criminal prosecution. In addition to maintaining the existing Youthful Diversion Program, the Office will enhance the program by providing youth the opportunity to access job training, career counseling, GED programs, technical programs, and college courses. NCA/NCF