Truancy mediation or victim-offender dialogue programs
Another approach to the legislature’s interest in creating alternative approaches to dealing with juvenile offenders that would still be handled via the state court’s system might be a mandatory, court-ordered educational program for juveniles who have been subject to police contact on a first offense. Create a policy proposal for a court-mandated course that would be delivered in a classroom setting for youths ages 12-14 with behavioral problems who are affecting the community-for example, in the schools, in neighborhoods, or in local businesses. Within your policy, incorporate your responses to the following questions:
· Would this program be limited to juveniles who have been subject to police contact only for certain classes of offenses (e,g., non-violent, property-oriented, status offenses) with more serious offenses handled through a different approach?
· Would these juveniles still “go through the system” (i.e., be arrested, have a court date for hearing) or would this be a diversion program intended in part to side-step these individuals having a record at such a young age? Explain.
· How would the administrative office of the courts be involved in the running of this program? Explain.
o Would it be conducted as part of the ADR “wing” of the office as is a program such as truancy mediation or victim-offender dialogue programs? Explain.
· Where would the course be offered? Why?
· What types of people would be considered qualified to conduct/facilitate it? Explain.
o Are there staff adequately trained already, or would a position have to be opened and staff hired? Explain.
· Although a complete curriculum would not be part of this proposal, what are the types of topics that would need to be covered?
o Would the administrative office of the courts have any role in creating the actual content?
o Would the office oversee creation of the content to ensure its consistency with current law and preferred practices in the state in question?
o Are there any models out there that could be used that would allow creation of such a program with minimal cost and start-up time?
