Adolescent Intervention and Diversion Project

The Adolescent Intervention and Diversion Project provides representation for adolescents who are prosecuted in the adult criminal courts. The needs of these youth exist along a continuum, but the majority present multiple, significant issues which must be addressed to minimize incarceration and recidivism. Our experience has demonstrated that approximately 20% of this group have been or presently are in foster care. Half regularly use drugs and/or alcohol and/or have a family member who are chemically addicted or dependent. A significant percentage have been victims of or have lived in the presence of domestic violence. Approximately two-thirds have known or undetected special education needs. Many of the youth do not attend school regularly because their school programs fail to meet their needs. Twenty-five percent have significant mental health needs, requiring medication and consistent counseling services.

We provide legal and educational advocacy and we also have a clinical social worker who can provide intensive, therapeutic services to the youth and their families. We provide referrals to community-based and residential therapeutic and educational programs. Additionally, the project serves as a point of collaboration of all the service providers to court-involved youth in an effort to create individualized and comprehensive care plans addressing the needs of the youth and their families. This work has successfully reduced the detention time served and the recidivism rates of our adolescent clients.