Juvenile Diversion Program

The Juvenile Diversion Program was established to provide first-time non-violent juvenile offenders with early intervention services and an option other than the official court system and a permanent record.

The program helps teach youth that their actions have consequences and that their choices now will affect them the rest of their lives.

"Most of the young people who enter this program realize the seriousness of the situation," says Juvenile Diversion Counselor Jean Wesseler. "They correct themselves and seek the right path in their lives."

How the program works

Police officers can choose to refer first-time non-violent offenders for the following offenses:

Drug and alcohol violations that are misdemeanors, with the exception of driving under the influence.
Thefts, including shoplifting
Vandalism/Criminal damaging
Criminal trespass
Disorderly conduct
Curfew violations
Unruliness, including running away and truancy

The offender must live in Fairfield or attend Fairfield public or private schools to be eligible.

If the offense matches the diversion program’s criteria, schools may also use it as an alternative to expulsion.

Upon referral to the program, youth and their parents meet with Juvenile Diversion Counselor Jean Wesseler. Participation is voluntary, and referral back to the court system is the alternative for youth who have further problems or who do not follow the direction and supervision of the juvenile diversion counselor.

If the youth and parent agree to participate in the program, they must sign a contract that outlines a specific set of conditions. Participants in the program are expected to be held accountable for their actions, and the following disciplines may be imposed:

Admonishment
Written letter of apology to victim
House arrest
Curfew restrictions
Suggested arrangement of restitution
Referral to counseling/treatment
Referral to specific corrective programs
Unofficial probation
Referral to Butler County Juvenile Court

Parents must also comply with the requirements of the program, which may include referral for parent classes, family counseling or drug-alcohol treatment with a doctor, therapist or other agency.

If both the youth and parents successfully fulfill the obligations of the program, the contact report will be destroyed when the juvenile reaches age 18.

Success stories

The Juvenile Diversion Program was implemented in August, 1999. From its inception through June 30, 2006, a total of 492 youth were seen in the program. Of those, 91% had no further contact with the Fairfield court system. Because the courts regularly see repeat offenders, those successes may represent more than 1,000 prevented court cases.

But the true benefit of the program is seen in the lives of the people who have been part of it.

Following are excerpts from two letters, printed with permission from their authors, about the program. The first is from a youth who successfully completed the program; the second from his mother.

"This program has helped me by helping me get ways to control my anger. It as showed me my consequences for my actions. It showed me how to be a better kid. I think this program has helped me a lot. I really respect Mrs. Wesseler.” – Jack Hensley

“… We went into the program not really knowing what to expect, but it was a great program. I believe Jack really learned about consequences for his actions. He does stop and think about things more now than he did in the past. Jack has had an anger problem, and he has learned a lot of techniques to control his anger. Mrs. Wesseler has been a positive influence in Jack’s life and formed a bond with her. He speaks very highly of her. She took a hard stand with Jack and in doing so, she taught him you can be tough but very caring at the same time. We really believe Mrs. Wesseler cares very much about Jack, our family and his future.” – Jenny Hensley

Fairfield’s Juvenile Diversion Program and Counselor Jean Wesseler have been recognized for their success. Jean Wesseler received Fairfield’s first employee STAR award in January 2000 for her work in establishing the program. She was also invited to be a guest speaker at the All Ohio Counselor’s Conference in 2003 and at the Asset Conference in Kentucky in 2005 where she presented on how to develop a Fire and Police Academy for 8th grade students. In addition, Wesseler trained police officers in Trotwood, Ohio, on setting up their own diversion program.

Juvenile crime prevention

The Juvenile Diversion program is just one of the ways the Police Department is actively working to combat juvenile crime. The DARE and School Resource Officer programs are working in the schools to provide ethical guidance and individual counseling, to explain the role of law enforcement and to act as a resource to school officials. Programs like Parent to Parent classes at the YMCA, the Youth Fire and Police Academy, Respect for Law Camp, Asset Building, Character Education and the STAR program at Fairfield Central Elementary are also helping to educate students and parents and to keep small problems from becoming big ones later on.

Last updated: 5/9/2007