| Each DFO County runs its own diversion program. Juveniles participating in the diversion program are diverted from a formal court hearing to the diversion program. |
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Cases being referred to this program are minor offenses such as shoplifting, minor consumption, tobacco, curfew, etc. Usually, these referrals are juveniles that are first time offenders, however, the program allows for some 2nd and 3rd time offenses. |
Because of the large numbers of juveniles placed on diversion, only select juveniles appear before the Diversion Panel. |
- The Diversion Panel is comprised of the Juvenile Diversion Officer, Police Liaison Officer, County Attorney's Staff member, Citizen Volunteer, and a Victim Services Advocate.
- All Diversion clients are administered the POSIT which serves as an initial screening to consider further testing for problem areas that may be affecting a child's behavior (substance abuse, mental health issues etc.).
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Restorative Justice Opportunities
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Olmsted County provides juvenile offenders many opportunities to restore the community and victims. Our Restorative Justice Unit facilitates offenders’ community work service at various community sites and they operate a juvenile work crew to complete larger community projects. Juvenile offenders have access to a Victim Awareness Class where they learn more about the impact of their crime on victims and the community. The Restorative Justice Program, VOIC (Victim-Offender Interactive Conferencing), can provide mediation services as needed. Dodge County received a state grant to provide education classes to juveniles caught with tobacco. Juveniles can take this class in lieu of going to court. If they choose to go to court, they may then get a fine and a court order to attend the tobacco class. The program also accepts youth on a voluntary basis or referrals from parents.
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Adult Diversion
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Adult diversion currently exists in each of the three counties. Although adult diversion numbers are low (around 20 new/year), we are looking into ways to increase our diversion program, which would provide additional relief to probation officers. The County Attorney's office recommends cases for diversion, which are then assessed by a probation officer for appropriateness. Those on diversion who fail to complete requirements i.e. community work service/restitution, are sent back to the courts.
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Dodge County
22 6th Street East
Department 252
Mantorville,MN 55955
Fax: 507 635-6194
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Fillmore County
PO Box 33
Preston, MN 55965
Fax: 507 765-5440 |
Olmsted County
151 4thStreet SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Phone:507 328-7200
Fax: 507 328-7951 |