Zimmerman discusses court’s juvenile diversion programs
Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006
Fourth Circuit Juvenile Judge Stacey Zimmerman gave an overview Wednesday night to the Washington County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board about diversion programs that allow some juvenile offenders to bypass the traditional court process.
Zimmerman said two new people are helping with the program: diversion program coordinator Kris Roy and substance abuse program coordinator Jessica "Jessie"Davis.
One concern of advisory board members is the lack of participation in one of the main diversion programs, Aggression Replacement Training, which involves parental participation.
While there are juveniles who would be ideal for the program, Zimmerman said, parents often do not have transportation to attend. If that is the case, she said," I’m not going to order them to do that."
She explained how two intake officers determine whether juveniles are candidates for diversion. When juveniles enter the program, individualized programs are outlined for some, while others get involved with ART, Teen Court or the Boy Scout program.
Roy will help to develop programs that are in existence and expand diversion alternatives, Zimmerman said.
One of the main existing programs, Teen Court, she said, has a low recidivism rate.
Zimmerman said the court is a way for juveniles to learn about the legal system. An attorney acts as the judge while teens decide the fate of peers, whether it be community service, counseling or a combination of other diversions.
She also talked about the Boy Scout program, which teaches life skills and about alcohol and drug issues.
Chairman Ronald Harris said he appreciated Zimmerman visiting the advisory board, which is in the process of reorganizing and evaluating programs. "We’re all on the same page,"Zimmerman said. "We all want the same thing, and that is for the kids not to go to jail."
Justice of the Peace Ann Harbison asked if there are gangs in this area.
Zimmerman said that eight years ago there were "wannabes"and she is now seeing the "real thing,"though the numbers are low.
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