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Teen Justice is a juvenile justice program based in Decatur, Macon County, lllinois that operates in two capacities: deflection and diversion.Deflection (prevention) services focus on utilizing policies, practices, and programming to help youth avoid suspensions, expulsions, arrests, or other legal consequences by linking youth to supportive services in the community based upon the need of the individual.

 

Diversion (intervention) services include the redirection of a youth's legal case from further processing in the legal system at any pointfollowing an arrest.

 

Based in restorative justice practices, this program assists participants with development of problem­ solving skills, decision-making skills, competency development (to better understand how their actions have impacted others), and the chance for relationships to be repaired and/or restored to the harmed parties. Teen Justice is a voluntary, informal process that focuses on individual risks, needs, and critical analysis of case plan development. Participants may enroll for a minimum of three (3) months.

 

Upon successful completion of proposed case plans, results could reflect any of the following:

• no filing of criminal charges;

• dismissal of pending criminal charges;

• reduced (or overturned) school/program suspension decisions;

 

 

If participants do not complete proposed case plans, the case will be returned to the original referral source for further action. The ultimate goal of Teen Justice is for any and all charges to be dropped, records cleaned (expunged), and restoration of relationships.

 

We are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you and the Decatur, Macon County Communicy.

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