Juvenile Diversion Program

Changing the Lives of Parents and Their At-Risk Teens

Take A Quick Self Assessment What is the Juvenile Diversion Program ?

The program concentrates on changing the behavior of at-risk youth — helping them to make appropriate changes in their social and behavioral environments in order to become well adjusted individuals. Participants are families whose children are experiencing behavioral problems: truancy, stealing, fighting, lying, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; and violence toward family members.

The first step in the process is a three-hour evening session with programming for both the parents and their teens. After a short information session, youth and parents are separated.

Youth, as a group, are escorted to the detention center area where they experience a mock intake.

Parents remain in the classroom where they participate in education about family roles, effective parenting skills, and connecting with additional resources. In many cases, families go on to enroll in in-home counseling with the STAR Program (Services to At Risk Youth).

Knowing where and when to get help is difficult for parents of children with behavioral problems. In the current system, children often commit crimes and are determined by the courts to be delinquent before they can be sent to a program designed to deal with their risky behaviors.

Who is eligible ?

Parents and/or guardians and their children ages 9 –16 are eligible to enroll. Parents must be willing to sign releases authorizing youth to participate in the program. Those youth already in the Dallas County juvenile justice system are not eligible.

The Program provides parents an opportunity to intervene with teens
before they end up in trouble with the law. Teens see first hand, the potential consequences of their actions and shows them how to take advantage of opportunities to make healthy decisions based on realistic information and self-discipline.

When is the program offered ?

5:30 pm– 9:00 pm on the first and third Monday of each month, except on holidays.

What is the cost ?
None.

How does one enroll ?

Prior to attending, a brief telephone screening is necessary. The parent or guardian can contact the Intake Coordinator to complete this screening – weekdays, between 7:30 am – 4:30 pm:

Intake Coordinator, Juvenile Diversion Program
(214) 698 – 5588

Self Assessment: Does your teen struggle with basic family rules and expectations ?
yes no

Has your teen been suspended, expelled, or had a serious drop in school grades ?
yes no

Worried your teen may not finish high school ?
yes no

Is your teen verbally abusive or frequently angry ?
yes no

Does your teen ever display violent behavior ?
yes no

Does your teen sometimes seem depressed or withdrawn ?
yes no

Do you think your teen is using or experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs ?
yes no

Does your teen display temper outbursts ?
yes no

Do you suspect that your teen sometimes lies or is dishonest with you ?
yes no

Concerned that your teen may be sexually active ?
yes no

Do you suspect your teen of taking money or valuables from your home or others ?
yes no

Does your teen struggle with authority ?
yes no

Does your teen associate with a peer group that you believe has a negative influence ?
yes no

Is it difficult getting your teen to do basic household chores or homework ?
yes no

Does your teen engage in activities of which you do not approve ?
yes no

What is the Juvenile Diversion Program ?

Who is eligible ?

When is the program offered ?

How does one enroll ?

Self Assessment