Youth are referred to the LPYS Diversion Program by the courts, law enforcement, and the school resource officers in lieu of having criminal charges filed against them for felony, misdemeanor, and petty offenses. In fy19, the Diversion Program also began consistently accepting voluntary referrals from parents and/or youth seeking additional support. Youth are referred for offenses such as marijuana and alcohol possession, theft/shoplifting, vandalism, and assault such as a fight. In fy20, 47 youth referred by law enforcement and the courts were served. Two youth, who self-referred were also reached. Additionally, La Plata Youth Services provides services to area youth as a strengths based alternative to truancy court. In combination with providing truant youth with screening and case management services, LPYS houses the LPC CMP, and has worked collaboratively to develop a model of care to address the specific needs of truant and at-risk children and youth. The LPC CMP Coordinator is an employee of LPYS. In fy20, 7 youth referred for truancy were served. In fy20, 92% of all youth enrolled in Diversion services completed the program successfully, and their charges were not filed in juvenile court. Only 4 youth re-offended while enrolled in the program. LPYS coordinates with a number of community conferencing specialists who provide mediation to victims of juvenile crime in the community. In fy18, LPYS began offering ReThinking Substances (RTS), a restorative intervention for youth, and their supportive adults, involved in first-time, petty level marijuana and/or alcohol offenses. In fy20, 5 youth, 5 supportive adults, and 1 community member participated in RTS and the successful program completion rate was 100%. During summer months, LPYS offered summer engagement programming including art and "build a skate" to 12 students.

Youth are referred to the LPYS Diversion Program by the courts, law enforcement, and the school resource officers in lieu of having criminal charges filed against them for felony, misdemeanor, and petty offenses. The program is designed to provide youth with resources, support, and direction that will ultimately decrease their chances of reentering the criminal justice system. Youth are referred for offenses such as marijuana and alcohol possession, theft/shoplifting, vandalism, and assault such as a fight. In fy17, 98 youth referred by law enforcement and the courts were served. 89% of these youth completed the program successfully, and their charges were not filed in juvenile court. Another 21 youth who self-referred were also reached.

Additionally, La Plata Youth Services provides services to area youth as a strengths based alternative to truancy court. In addition to providing truant youth with assessment and case management services, La Plata Youth Services houses the La Plata County Collaborative Management Program, or LPC CMP, and has worked collaboratively to develop a model of care to address the specific needs of truant and at-risk children and youth. The LPC CMP Coordinator is an employee of La Plata Youth Services. In fy17, 17 youth referred for truancy were served. 70% of these youth improved their attendance.

Youth Referral Form

Consent to Release Info