Youth Diversion

YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM
Diversion & Youth Services Division

The Youth Diversion Program is designed and administered by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in partnership with several social service agencies in Mecklenburg County. Its purpose is to offer qualified juveniles the opportunity to avoid prosecution in the court system. Parent and Juvenile will attend an 8-hour life skills class or Teen Court to successfully complete the program.

WHY DO WE HAVE THIS PROGRAM?

In response to the disproportionate minority contacts and the school to prison pipe line, in 2012 CMPD created and implemented the Youth Diversion Program in an effort to lower the number of juvenile arrests in Mecklenburg County. The goal of our Diversion Program is to break the cycle of juvenile justice involvement and an arrest record for youth who commit first time misdemeanor offenses. The program affords Mecklenburg county residents ages 6 - 17 the opportunity to participate in and successfully complete the program as an alternative to criminal prosecution.

REFERRAL TO YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM

Your child has been referred to the Youth Diversion Program by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer due to your child’s involvement in a misdemeanor (lesser category) offense. These offenses may include simple assault, larceny, trespassing, public affray, communicating threats, disorderly conduct, damage to property, weapons law violations and alcohol/drug violations.

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?

There are several different life skills programs available for the Diversion Specialist to utilize. The Diversion Specialist will determine at the intake meeting which one of five 8-hour programs will best benefit the juvenile. The duration of the program will be determined by which program the juvenile is assigned.

Participation

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD PARTICIPATES IN THE YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM?

Upon completion of the Youth Diversion Program, the juvenile will not be charged with the offense. This means that the juvenile will not have a juvenile arrest record or an adult arrest record, if over the age of 15.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD DOES NOT PARTICIPATE OR FAILS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

Participation is voluntary but if the referred juvenile refuses or their parent/guardian refuses to allow them to participate, charges may be filed against them. The case will be referred back to the original investigating officer who made the referral. Charge(s) may be pursued through the Juvenile Court System.

MY CHILD IS WILLING TO PARTICIPATE. WHAT DO WE DO NEXT?

You do not need to take any action at this time. You will be contacted by a Diversion Specialist. The Diversion Specialist is an employee of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and will attempt to contact you by telephone, email, and/or regular U.S. Postal mail. The Diversion Specialist will set up a time to meet with you and your child that will ultimately determine the most appropriate life skills class for your child.

Obligations and Benefits of the Program

WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS AND INVOLVEMENT OF THE PARENT/ GUARDIAN?

Communicate and cooperate with the Diversion Specialist.
Participate in the intake meeting and attend program classes.
Make sure that the juvenile attends, participates in, and completes the program.
Support the program and your child’s participation in the program.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM?

Instruction on how to think before you act.
Accountability for actions.
Dismissal of charge(s).
Motivation to set and reach personal goals.
Reduced likelihood of committing future crimes.
The knowledge to build a beneficial lifestyle.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

There is no cost. The program is paid for by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

FAQs

FAQs

Question - What is a delinquent juvenile?
Answer - A delinquent juvenile is one who has reached the age of six but is not yet 16 years of age and is alleged to have committed a crime, infraction, motor vehicle law violation or local ordinance.

Question - What constitutes an "undisciplined juvenile" under North Carolina law?
Answer -

A juvenile who is 6 years of age and under 16 and is:
Unlawfully absent from school; or
Regularly disobedient to and beyond the disciplinary control of the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian; or
Regularly found in places where it is unlawful for a juvenile to be; or
Has run away from home for more than 24 hours.
NOTE: A juvenile may be reported "missing" to law enforcement without a time limitation.
A juvenile who is 16 or 17 years of age is undisciplined for the same behavior described above except for the absence from school.
When a juvenile reaches the age of 16, North Carolina law does not require school attendance.
No police report is needed.
The parent or guardian should be instructed by the officer to call the Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention at 704-330-4338 to request an appointment regarding a juvenile exhibiting undisciplined behavior (not criminal law violation, but behavior issues in the home). Business hours are Monday through Friday 0800 to 1700 hours except holidays. Either request to speak with an Intake counselor or leave a message for an Intake counselor if they call after hours.
The Intake counselor will set up a time for the parent or guardian to come to their office to address the issue.

Question - Is there a criminal offense in North Carolina for Contributing to delinquency?
Answer - Yes. North Carolina has a criminal statute prohibiting:
"Contributing to delinquency and neglect by parents and others." It states the following:

Person to be charged must be at least 16 years of age and;
Knowingly or willfully,
Cause, encourage or aid any juvenile to be in a place or condition,
Or to commit an act whereby the juvenile could be adjudicated delinquent, undisciplined, abused or neglected.
It is not required that the juvenile actually be adjudicated in order for the person to be charged.
A violation of this statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Youth Engagement Unit
The goal of the Youth Engagement Unit is to provide a continuum of services for youth, who are at risk of or involved in delinquent or criminal activity, designed to reduce the number of youth referred to the criminal justice system, delinquent or criminal activity by youth, and delinquent or criminal recidivism by youth. For more information on Youth Engagement services, practices and contacts, please visit the Youth Engagement page.

Letter of Interest
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), Community Services Bureau, is seeking proposals from community organizations for a life skills program that addresses substance awareness for youth and young adults. The Youth Diversion Program provides pre-arrest diversion opportunities for youth who commit first-time misdemeanor offenses. Letters of Interest must be received by February. To apply, fill out this online form from SeamlessDocs.

Diversion Inquiries

Cara Evans-Patterson
Youth Diversion Program Manager
Diversion & Youth Services Unit
704-574-3186

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternative formats, language access and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please email Cara Evans-Patterson or call 704-574-3186.