Youth Diversion Team
Accountability with Compassion and Healing.
The Youth Diversion Team (YDT) administers a voluntary diversionary program for first-time youth offenders that enables them, upon successful completion of a tailored restoration and intervention process, to bypas the juvenile justice system. The YDT is made up of Ridgefield Youth & Family Services (RYFS) staff and community volunteers who are actively involved in positive youth development. It operates within a trauma-informed, restorative justice framework that prioritizes shared responsibility, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving. The goals of the program are acceptance of responsibility; restitution for harm done to indiviiudals, groups or the community; and healing and developmental support for the youths involved such that they are less likely to act in ways that are harmful to themselves and others.
The Process
Referral
Voluntary
Acceptance
Restoration and Intervention
Completion
Referral
The Ridgefield Police Department, referral source and RYFS staff make a determination as to whether the case is appropriate for the program. For accepted cases, RYFS assigns a case manager.
Voluntary Acceptance
The case manager meets with the youth and parents/guardians and outlines the philosophy, goals and requirements of the program. Acceptance is totally voluntary. If the family accepts the terms, the case manager gathers information from the youth, his family and the affected party(ies) and sets a date for an initial meeting with the YDT. If the family chooses not to participate, the case reverts to the referring party and the juvenile justice system.
Restoration & Intervention
At an initial Restoration Meeting with the YDT, the youth, his/her supporters and the affected party discuss the incident, the youth demonstrates his/her understanding of the harm caused, and an agreement is reached with all present as to what form(s) of restitution is/are appropriate and what intervention(s) is/are needed to help the youth restore relationships and address any underlying developmental issues. The youth meets regularly with the case manager to review progress and gain any needed support.
Completion
Upon completion of the agreed upon plan, or the expiration of six months, the parties meet again with the YDT to celebrate and close out successful completion of the case. If the youth fails to successfully complete the program, the case reverts to the referring party and the juvenile justice system.