Friday, February 7, 2025

Springtown launches youth diversion program to help young offenders

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SPRINGTOWN — On Monday, Dec. 30, the City of Springtown Municipal Court announced the launch of its new Youth Diversion Program which will provide young offenders with opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth, rather than relying on financial penalties.

Springtown City Secretary Christina Derr announced the program in a press release and spoke to the city’s commitment to providing a constructive yet educational space for the young offenders to make better choices.

“The Youth Diversion Program is a testament to Springtown's commitment to fostering a supportive and constructive environment for its young residents,” Derr said. “By focusing on education and community involvement, this program aims to equip youth with the tools they need to make better choices and avoid future legal issues.”

The diversion program, which began Jan. 1, is for juveniles between the ages of 10 and 16 who are cited for nontraffic Class C misdemeanor offenses, such as theft under $100, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault and minor in possession of alcohol or tobacco. The program also offers educational, preventive and community service-oriented alternatives instead of fines.

“When it comes to juvenile defendants, the objective of court is not to inflict punitive measures against the defendant, but rather to redirect their behavior and prevent a recurrence or an escalation of behaviors that may result in higher level offenses which can be extremely detrimental to the future of young people,” Derr said. “This program will offer alternatives to financial penalties which will be more beneficial to the defendant overall and which are likely to reduce recidivism.”

The key components of the youth diversion plan include:

  • Preventative measures: The program offers counseling and drug testing options to address underlying causes of offenses.
  • Educational opportunities: Participants will have access to educational resources and programs that reinforce responsible behavior and personal development. This includes life skills courses, career counseling and awareness classes to guide youth toward a productive future.
  • Community service: Instead of financial penalties, youth defendants may be required to participate in community service projects. These projects will instill a sense of civic duty in participants.

“This program is designed to be more beneficial than financial penalties, reducing the likelihood of reoffending,” Derr added.