The Attorney's Office maintains a juvenile diversion program. The juvenile prosecutor, in consultation with Nicollet County Community Corrections, considers whether the juvenile is eligible for the diversion program based on specific criteria established by the Nicollet County Attorney, including the offense level and what might have led to the behavior, the juvenile's prior history, and the wishes of the victim.
The diversion program offers juveniles, who admit they broke the law, an opportunity to avoid court involvement. The juvenile signs a contract to complete certain requirements that address their behavior including community work service, restitution to the victim, programs on theft awareness, conflict resolution, or other appropriate programs.
If the juvenile successfully completes the diversion contract, their case will not be sent to court. The community benefits from diversion programs as the juvenile typically has a swifter consequence as compared to cases that go through Juvenile Court. Juveniles who participate in a diversion program have a low recidivism rate.