What is Diversion?

Juvenile Diversion is a voluntary program offered to youth and their families by the office of Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul D. Connick Jr. The goal is to promote good citizenship and health for youth, families and the community through counseling, education and community enhancement activities. Our program is administered by master’s level counselors.

The many benefits of enrolling in and successfully completing the Diversion program include the District Attorney refusing the criminal charges.

Who is eligible to participate?

In general, the program is offered to youth who have been charged with relatively low-level offenses. Prior interaction with the juvenile justice system also is considered during the District Attorney’s Office screening process. Only cases with prosecutorial merit are eligible for Diversion. Importantly, youth must accept reasonable responsibility for the alleged offenses.

Is participation required?

No. Participation in the Juvenile Diversion program is voluntary. Families always have two options: Enroll in the program or request that the case be returned to the District Attorney’s Office for traditional court proceedings. You have the right to seek legal counsel at any time during the process. Families can withdraw from the Diversion program at any time.

If you choose to participate, what is your next step?

Potential candidates will discuss the program with one of our professional counselors. During these meetings, our counselors will review all program requirements, the length of the program and the fees.

Counselors will then conduct a screening and assessment with the candidates. The assigned counselor and the candidate’s family design a program plan. This plan is presented to the youth and the family in the form of a written agreement, which could include referring participants to assessments or counseling, maintaining positive academic achievements, completing homework assignments, participating in group education on special topics, and engaging in community enhancement activities.

This agreement can be modified over time based on the family’s needs and the counselor’s recommendations.

How long does the program last, and what is the cost?

The length of the program is based on several factors, including the nature of the arrest and charge, and the needs of the youth and their family. The program typically lasts between three and six months. There is a set program fee of $150 for all participants. And in some cases, additional fees are applied when drug testing and restitution are involved.

Do I have to pay all at once?

No. Following an initial enrollment fee of $50, you can make incremental payments while enrolled in the program. Fee waivers and reductions may be considered.

Are parents or guardians required to attend meetings and appointments?

Parents or guardians are required to attend the initial assessment and the final appointment. However, they may be asked to attend further appointments as determined by the counselor and the family.

Guiding Value Statements of Juvenile Diversion

We believe:

• Accountability is essential for growth. Through accountability, individuals have the potential to repair harm in order to re-establish and maintain supportive, healthy relationships.
• Honoring the voices and expertise of families is integral to youths’ success at home, at school and in the community. Family support and active participation is vital to minimizing future involvement with the justice system.
• Connectedness with self and the community helps foster youths’ ability to create meaningful change and to lead more fulfilling lives.
• Honoring youths’ agency and self-determination within a safe, nonviolent and supportive environment helps them develop the confidence and self-sufficiency necessary to lead fulfilling lives. Strengthening community alliances fosters a positive environment for youth and their support systems, enhancing the development of responsible citizenship practices.
• Working through a lens of restorative justice supports the development of a more connected, just and empathetic community.

Our Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office Pre-Trial Juvenile Diversion Program to engage youth and their families in actively developing good citizenship practices for the purpose of restoring a connected, safe and healthy community.

 

The Jefferson Parish Juvenile Justice Center in Harvey features a Calming Studio to serve the parish’s youth and their families. This sensory-rich space provides opportunities for emotional and behavioral regulation for youth and their families that are interacting with the court. It is designed to help youth engage in calming and relaxing activities and offers comfort and emotional support for families during what often can be a stressful experience. By reducing stress and supporting regulation, the space will serve all individuals who may be experiencing emotional or behavioral dysregulation. View our video to learn more about the Calming Studio.

 

Contact us

 

West Bank office

Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court
1546 Gretna Blvd.
Harvey, La. 70058

East Bank office

100 David Drive
Metairie, La., 70003

Phone 504.364.6134
Fax 504.361.2996

 

Staff

Pam Occhipinti, JD, MBA
Chief of adult and juvenile diversion
504.361.2911
pocchipinti@jpda.us

Blake Bascle, LCSW, BACS
Deputy chief of adult and juvenile diversion
504.364.6139
bbascle@jpda.us

Morgan Olasin, MSW, LMSW
Juvenile diversion counselor
504.364.3600
molasin@jpda.us

Gladys Recinos
Juvenile diversion case manager
504.364.6135
grecinos@jpda.us

Diamond Pearson, MS, MCJ, PLPC
Juvenile diversion counselor
504.364.6138
dpearson@jpda.us

Erica Clark, PLPC
Juvenile diversion counselor
504.364.6127
eclark@jpda.us

 

Administrative support

Charlotte Ramahi (West Bank)
504.364.6134
cramahi@jpda.us