Youth Diversion

Youable Emotional Health partners with The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to provide services to eligible youth and hold them accountable instead of having their case charged in juvenile court.

What is Diversion?

Diversion is a voluntary opportunity to avoid a juvenile court record for a criminal offense you’ve committed. Juveniles are required to accept responsibility for their actions but there is no formal plea or record of admission. Juveniles involved in Diversion will participate in services including but not limited to, mental health services, youth mentorship, chemical health education courses, community service work, reflection papers, and more! If agreed upon services are completed, youth remains law abiding and meets school requirements, the case will be returned to the Attorney’s Office as Successful to be sealed and expunged from the juvenile record.

Several studies show that Diversion is a better option than juvenile court for young people without a prior record who have committed a less serious offense. Youth involved in diversion are more successful in their rehabilitation than those who are charged and go through the juvenile court process.

What is the process? What is the cost?

There is no fee to participate in Diversion – Youth will be referred to Youable Emotional Health from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

Within 5 business days of receiving the referral from the Attorney’s Office, Diversion staff will attempt to set up a Diversion Intake with the family at our Richfield or Brooklyn Center Office. At this meeting, a Diversion Contract will be created to list out the requirements and families will leave with a copy as well. We ask that both the youth and their parents/guardians attend to ensure that everyone is on the same page moving forward.

Who is eligible?

All referrals sent to Youable Emotional Health’s Diversion Program come from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Referrals consist of youth ages 10 - 17 who have received a citation for an offense that meets Diversion eligibility.

Questions? Contact the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office