Diversion

Grand Traverse County Juvenile Diversion Program

The Juvenile Diversion Program operates under the jurisdiction of the 13th Circuit Court - Family Division (Juvenile Court).

Overview

The Grand Traverse County Juvenile Diversion Program provides individualized services to the youth. The services are determined by using risk assessment tools and interview techniques. This is a voluntary, non-judicial program.

Goals:

1) To provide services to youth to assist them in becoming healthy and positive members of the community.

2) To divert youth from the criminal justice system.

3) To connect families with resources to assist with aspects of a youth's wellbeing.

Referral Process

Note: the Diversion Program only serves youths/families between the ages of 10 - 17.

Prosecutor's Office:

The prosecutor's office receives a complaint, typically from law enforcement, and deems the matter appropriate for the Juvenile Diversion Program. The prosecutor's office completes a diversion program referral form to the Juvenile Division for entry into the Juvenile Diversion Program. Once the referral is received by the Juvenile Diversion, a Diversion Coordinator will send the youth/parents notice to attend a diversion conference.

Outside Organization:

If an agency has a youth/family they would like to refer, please contact Roger Lalonde or Taylor Riddle for additional questions. Use the link to access the referral form.

Once the referral from has been completed, return the form to a Diversion Coordinator. The referral form can be emailed to Roger Lalonde at rlalonde@gtcountymi.gov or Taylor Riddle at triddle@gtcountymi.gov. Otherwise it can or mailed/dropped off at:

Grand Traverse County Juvenile Diversion Program 280 Washington St., Ste. B106 Traverse City, MI 49684

Upon receipt of the referral form, a Diversion Coordinator will send the youth/parents notice to attend a diversion conference.

Differences between Diversion and Formal Juvenile Court

Diversion:

No formal court involvement
Program is voluntary
No fees or cost to participate
Juvenile records may be destroyed after successful program completion

Formal Juvenile Court

A petition is filed with the court
Youth appear in court before a judge or referee
Hearings are open to the public
You may hire or be appointed an attorney
Youth will be placed on probation through Family Court
Court fines may be assessed
Youth may be placed out-of-home (treatment or detention facility)

Screening Tools

An important step in this process are the intake forms and screening and assessment tools. These tools and information allow coordinators to assess risk factors and determine the needs of the youth and family. Youth and family are required to participate in this intake process. Screening tools utilized are Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-2 (MAYSI-2) and Michigan Juvenile Justice Assessment Survey (MJJAS). Additional screenings may be used to direct case decisions.

The Diversion Agreement may include:

Community service work
Written assignments/essays
Letters of apology
Meetings with a Diversion Coordinator
Restitution
Drug and alcohol education classes
Drug and alcohol assessment
Random drug and alcohol screening
Victim impact/empathy programs
Anger management/other educational requirements
Life skills training
Curfews
Restriction of association

Mission Statement

The Grand Traverse County Juvenile Diversion Program is designed to support youth in making positive choices while addressing behaviors that may lead to further challenges. Through evidence-based programming and family-centered support, we provide guidance and resources to help youth build skills and understand the impact of their choices. We focus on early intervention by offering meaningful support and alternatives that promote growth, break negative cycles. and empower youth to build a strong foundation for their future.

Commitment of the Juvenile Diversion Program

Our commitment to the well-being of young people and their families extends beyond formal processes. We believe families bring essential strengths, and by working together, we can build on the resources they already have-or help lay a new foundation for support. Every referral and conversation strengthen our community, ensuring that youth thrive, and families receive the guidance they need. We're all in this together.