Diversion Programs
Peer Court
Peer Court is a voluntary, 90-day diversion program offered to juveniles who have been charged with a first-time misdemeanor or status offense. The offenders (respondents) who come to Peer Court are given the opportunity to participate in the program based on the circumstances surrounding their case and must admit to having committed the charge. Peer Court disposition hearings are typically held two times per month. Trained youth volunteers take on the roles of Judge, Jury, Youth Advocates, Community Advocates, and Bailiff. The Jury decides the disposition in the case based on the mitigating and aggravating factors presented during the hearing. For additional information, contact Program Coordinator Sara Carter.
Traffic Diversion Program
The Traffic Diversion Program is a 90-day diversion program offered to first-time juvenile traffic offenders. Traffic Intake is typically scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month and is facilitated by the Department of Juvenile Justice. A signed agreement is entered into by the child and a parent/guardian acknowledging their desire to participate in the program as well as their commitment to follow through with all of the recommendations and any referrals made. The case will be dismissed and marked as successfully completed if there has been a significant improvement, if all recommendations and referrals have been followed and there have been no subsequent traffic violations.
Truancy Panel
Truancy Panel is a voluntary, 180-day program designed to provide early intervention by identifying and implementing supports to ensure that all needs are being met for children who are at risk of being adjudicated as a CHINS due to truancy. Upon being referred, the multi-agency Panel will meet with the child and family to discuss the facts surrounding the child’s case. The Panel will make recommendations and community-based referrals as appropriate. A signed agreement is entered into by the child and a parent/guardian acknowledging their desire to participate in the program as well as their commitment to follow through with all of the recommendations and any referrals made. The case will be dismissed and marked as successfully completed if there has been a significant improvement in the child’s attendance, and all recommendations and referrals have been followed.
Programs Offered/Referred to by the Court
Reality Check
Reality Check is a collaborative program created by the Forsyth County Juvenile Court and McDonald and Son Funeral Home, and is currently facilitated by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the impact that certain behaviors (e.g., reckless or distracted driving; substance abuse) can have on an individual, family unit, and society as a whole when poor decisions that may – and often do – lead to death are made. Juvenile participants, along with a parent, are given a tour of the funeral home and are required to complete an “obituary” that is turned in as verification of program completion.
Teen Interception Program (TIP)
The Teen Interception Program is a free seven-week teen educational program facilitated by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. TIP focuses on redirecting teens to make better choices in order to live successful lives. Topics include teen and parent empowerment, the effects of prescription and illegal drugs, the possibility of jailtime, the possibility of death, the possibility of homelessness, and breaking down barriers between teens and law enforcement. https://www.forsythsheriff.org/teen-interception-program
Healthy Relationships
The Healthy Relationships program is facilitated by Bridging Hope with separate presentations for youth participants and parents/guardians which include information on healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, dating violence, types of abuse, “sexting” and cyber safety, digital footprints, as well as boundary and limit-setting.