A program run by the Division of Youth Services, Juvenile Probation Unit with the cooperation of the office of the Attorney General (A.G.).  A form of voluntary probation with conditions and treatment plans designed for the needs of each individual client as set forth by the DYS Juvenile Diversion Program Coordinator and approved by the Unit Supervisor.

To divert first time non-felony offenders from the formal sanction system of the Family Court Division, by placing the minor voluntarily on an informal probation status within the Juvenile Probation Unit of the Division of Youth Services.

• to encourage the youth to organize his/her behavior, attitude and ambition in a prosocial manner.
• The Juvenile Diversion Program will lessen the procedural process and time.
• The Juvenile Diversion Program will lessen the financial burden on the CNMI Government by implementing this program outside the physical setting of the courts.

Types of Diversion Conditions:

1. Community Work Service: Juvenile will be required to perform at least 40 hours of community service.  (The number of hours will depend on the offense committed).

2. Curfew Hours: Standard curfew hours while udergoing the program will be from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily, unless accompanied by parents/guardians.  GED classes at the Northern Marianas College or school activities will be excused.

3. School: Juvenile will be required to attend school with no unexcused absence and submit a weekly attendance report to Diversion Program Coordinator.  The attendance report must be signed by a school counselor.

4. GED: Enroll juveniles in Adult Basic Education at the Northern Marianas College or Vocational Education Classes.

5. Restitution: The juvenile or the parents must accept accountability and responsibility, and in good faith restore loss items either in monetary or in kind as acceptable to the victims of crime.

6. Counseling: Juvenile and parents/guardians will be referred to the DYS Adolescent Therapist.  Counseling will depend on the nature of the problem (alcohol, substance abuse and aggression management).

7. Community Guidance Center: Some juveniles may require psychological or psychiatrical evaluation.

8. Employment Opportunities: The Diversion Program Coordinator may assist a juvenile seek employment if he or she desires.

9. Parenting Class: Parents/Guardians must attend classes if required in the agreement.

10. Crime Prevention: Juvenile must participate in a presentation of his or her experience in the juvenile justice system if included in the contract.

Consideration into the program will be based on:

1. First time offense and nature of offense

2. Previous history or record of the offender

3. Attitude of the youth about his conduct, himself/herself, family and victim

4. The attitude of the parents/guardians toward the situation and the youth

5. Acceptance by the youth and his parents/guardian voluntarily into the program

6. Other factors deemed appropriate

7. Youth is no more than 7 1/2 years old