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Diversion Program & Community Connections Program <br />“The last few years have been really tough on our youth. A lot of those connections, <br />and feeling like being a part of a community, have gone away. Youth and their <br />families are really struggling and that’s why programs like these are so important.” <br /> — Erika Scheider, Roseville Chief of Police <br />The Diversion program serves as an alternative to the <br />traditional juvenile justice system for youth who are <br />charged with misdemeanor and status offenses such as <br />theft and alcohol or drug use. With targeted support, <br />they are able to redirect their lives and get back on <br />track. Youth attend educational seminars with their <br />parents or caregivers, perform <br />community service work, and pay <br />restitution. But addressing the <br />offense and its impact is only part <br />of this restorative justice program. <br />NYFS Diversion Coordinator Jackie <br />McGovern says that working with youth to learn what <br />is going on in their life is key to understanding what <br />circumstances may have contributed to the negative <br />behavior. “By addressing the root causes of the <br />behaviors, the youth is able to receive the help they need <br />and is much less likely to reoffend in the future. We are <br />here to help them change the trajectory of their lives. <br />We focus on their future, not just on their past offense.” <br />Successful graduates of the Diversion program who <br />still need additional support can enroll in our new <br />Community Connections program – a seven week group- <br />based experience for youth <br />that builds social skills, self- <br />confidence, and resilience <br />through career exploration, <br />volunteer activities, and <br />connections with other <br />community service organizations. The program aims <br />to help address risk factors that youth face by providing <br />youth with alternatives through positive social interaction <br />with peers, interaction with positive adults in the <br />community, and access to community resources. <br />Better <br />Outcomes, <br />Brighter <br />Futures <br />NYFS.ORG 7 <br />confidence <br />resilience&