SC Outreach Juvenile Diversion Program

This grant program is authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (the 'Recovery Act'). Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention made awards to support local organizations that develop, implement, or expand local mentoring programs leading to measurable, positive outcomes for at-risk youth. This program furthers the Department's mission by enhancing the capacity of local mentoring programs to develop and implement mentoring strategies to reduce juvenile delinquency and prevent violence.

SC Outreach Juvenile Diversion is a group mentor and character development program for youth in the juvenile justice system. Coordinated by the Great Southwest Council of the Boy Scouts of America in collaboration with community and government partners, this program serves girls and boys ages 12-16 in three New Mexico counties. The program diverts youth from the court system, reduces recidivism, improves likelihood for life success, and protects the community. Participants complete community service projects and attend mentor led meetings on the justice system, conflict and communication skills, personal goal achievement, character, substance abuse and health, citizenship, and job skills with speakers from the community. Personnel will work with youth to outline individual goals and measure progress, check in with parents every two weeks, use a point system to track and reward positive behaviors, and document any re-offending. If participants complete the program and do not reoffend for 12 months following graduation, the offenses are removed from their records. Over three years, 900 to 1,040 youth will participate in this program and 8-12 adult volunteers will assist annually as mentors and presenters.

This grant award will retain one job and create three jobs, thus the project achieves the Recovery Act objective of promoting economic recovery by preserving or creating jobs. CA/NCF