COURT DIVERSION

(Ages 10-99)

Court Diversion, a community response to crime, is an established prevention/intervention model for first time offenders that address the needs of the accused, the victim and the community by utilizing Community Review Boards. 

Each Diversion candidate is interviewed by the Review Board, which is comprised of trained volunteers from every town in the Lamoille Valley Region. 

If a candidate is accepted, a contract is devised to address the needs of the offender and the victim of that crime.  When the contract is successfully completed, the charge will be dismissed by the state. 

If the candidate is not successful, the case will be returned to court for continued prosecution.

TRUANCY PROJECT

(Ages 6-16)

In collaboration with area supervisory unions, the Truancy Project will assist students, schools, community, and families in the development and implementation of strategies to insure school attendance. 

A truant child, one who has excessive absences, will be supported in attending school.  Working with schools, parents and youth, The Truancy Representative will assist in developing action plans and contracts to achieve success at school. 

PRE-CHARGE INTERVENTION PROJECT (PCIP)

The Pre-Charge Intervention Project (PCIP) is designed to address delinquent behaviors before a charge is filed, by utilizing family group conferencing, mediated dialogue and individualized plans

TEEN ALCOHOL SAFETY PROGRAM

(Ages 16-20)

The Teen Alcohol Safety Program monitors individuals cited with a Civil Possession of Malt Beverage charge.  The Case Manager supervises a contract, which always includes the underage drinker completing an assessment by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.  Where treatment is indicated TASP insures services are received. 

Juvenile Restorative Programs

(Ages 10-18)

Restitution Program: The adjudicated youth, the SRS caseworker and the Restitution Program Representative work together to insure successful completion of the probation order.

The Juvenile Restorative Project is designed for adjudicated juveniles.  As part of a Juvenile Probation Order, probationers appear before a panel of trained community volunteers.  With the panel and the victim, the juvenile probationer designs a contract that will address the needs of the individual, reparation of victims of the offense and the community. 

Community Support Program:  The project develops, implements, and coordinates out of school activities for area youth.  Groups focus on pro-school bonds, self-esteem, healthy lifestyles and healthy choices.  Additionally work in life skills training and increased community involvement.  Referrals for programs originate from, but are not limited to, SRS, schools, Transitional Living and mental health professionals.

 Street Checker Program: The project provides community support and supervision for at-risk youth as determined by SRS caseworkers and the youth’s support team.  Referrals for supervision originate from SRS and most often the population served are juvenile probationers. 

 Lamoille County Sprockids: Sprockids is a six-week, summer mountain bike program open to kids in the Lamoille Valley age 11-16.  The program fosters confidence and healthy life choices through mountain bike skills, maintenance, trail building and fitness.  Youthimprove fitness levels, interact with peers and adults in a healthy activity and learn skills and values that help guide them through life. 

TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM

(Ages 15-21)

The Transitional Living Program is tailored to provide activities and services for youth in SRS custody to achieve interdependent, self-supporting lives in their communities as they enter adulthood.

The structure of the program follows these objectives:

1.Assist youth in identifying self-goals, needs and strengths.

2. Assist in developing a plan to realize those goals.

3.Supporting youth in gaining access to opportunities for independent living.