63D-13.003. Diversion  


Effective on Monday, May 4, 2020
  • 1(1) Diversion services are non-judicial alternatives used to keep youth who have committed a delinquent act from being processed through the traditional juvenile justice system. These services are intended to intervene at an early stage of delinquency, and prevent subsequent offenses during and after participation in the programs. Referrals are determined based upon the youth’s current offense, delinquency history, and CAT results.

    63(2) Typical interventions of diversion programs include community service hours, restitution, random urinalysis, curfew, anger management, educational training, vocational services, and counseling services. Diversion programs may also include mentoring, 92providing instruction or imparting guidance outside the formal treatment intervention.

    102(3) Available diversion services are provided in the following forms, though not all are available in every locality:

    120(a) Civil citation programs provide law enforcement with an alternative to taking youth into custody, while ensuring swift and appropriate consequences for youth who commit non-serious offenses. A record check of the JJIS is completed to determine program eligibility. Upon receipt of the citation, the department or provider shall enter the required information into the Prevention Web.

    177(b) Department provided diversion programs involve sanctions and services monitored by a JPO. Participation may be authorized by the state attorney’s office or by the court order.

    204(c) Contracted diversion programs are structured diversion services provided to youth through a contract with a provider.

    221(d) Other community-based diversion programs are provided by community stakeholders or the court system and come in such forms as community arbitration, teen court, drug court diversion, and neighborhood accountability boards.

    252(4) Youth who accept a diversion option, but who do not complete the program shall be referred to the state attorney to determine if the youth will be recommended for formal processing or allowed to continue in the program.

    291Rulemaking Authority 293985.64, 294985.601 FS. 296Law Implemented 298985.601, 299985.145 FS. 301History–New 5-4-20.