The Community Panels Program is a juvenile diversion program which gives minor offenders (usually first time) apprehended for a misdemeanor the option of appearing before a panel of community volunteers rather than entering the juvenile court system. To be eligible for the program, youth must also admit to the charges against them, have no cases pending, no prior adjudications, no consent decrees and no prior referrals to the panel process. Juveniles who accept and complete the contractual obligation offered by the panels avoid the stigma and possible effects of a criminal record. That is, they are "diverted" from Juvenile Court. Unlike traditional methods of intervention in which courts assume the decision-making process, the Community Panels draw the youth, family and community into the contracting process. This approach is critical to the prevention and rehabilitation goals that underlie the program. Such intervention provides swift and meaningful community response to minor delinquent behavior. This response is aimed at ending the juvenile's illegal activities.

The key element of this diversion program is to help youth understand the seriousness of their actions and the effect that delinquent activity has on themselves, their families and the community. The Panel assists youth by holding them accountable for their behavior and encouraging them to behave responsibly.

For more information about the Life Skills program, contactGlenn Larson, Delinquency Supervisor.