District of Columbia Street Law Diversion Program (From Law-Related Education and Juvenile Justice, P 95-115, 1997, Deborah Williamson, Kevin I Minor, and James W Fox, eds. -- See NCJ-167087)

• NCJ Number: 167094
• Author(s): J Chinn
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper provides some background on the District of Columbia Street Law Diversion Program, describes similar programs around the Nation, and presents information about starting a program.

Abstract

The D.C. Street Law Diversion Program began in 1979 when a family court judge initiated the program as an alternative to court for first-time juvenile offenders. The program targets 12- to 17-year-old first offenders who have been charged with a misdemeanor offense. Eligible youths are given the option of continuing the court proceedings or being assigned to the street law program. To finish the program successfully, youths must complete 12 2-hour law-related education (LRE) classes. The program has been successful because of its appeal to juveniles, court staff, probation officers, and parents. Also, the rearrest rate for youths while participating in the program is significantly lower than the rates of other court programs. The successful completion rate is also very high, with very few students returning to court. By offering youths legal information that they should know and which the court feels is appropriate, the program has proven itself to be something other than a course in how to beat the law. The descriptions of similar programs across the Nation show the flexibility of starting a LRE diversion program. The basic model can easily fit the resources and needs of the community. Starting an LRE diversion program is a relatively uncomplicated process and can be separated into three distinct stages: initial planning, program planning, and program implementation. Each of these three stages is explained, followed by a discussion of program administration that focuses on records, LRE instruction, and the use of outside resource persons. 1 reference and appended sample program description; sample enrollment plan; sample of rules, responsibilities, and class schedule; sample student contract; sample student evaluation form; and sample certificate of completion