180 Juvenile Diversion Annual Report
180 Juvenile Diversion Annual Report
180 Juvenile Diversion Annual Report
2009
Annual
Report
Mission:
180º Juvenile Diversion offers a second chance for young offenders who are in or may enter the criminal justice system.
The program helps young adults understand the consequences of their actions and gives them an opportunity to change
their behavior by becoming constructive members of the community. By using research-based methods and by working
with families and the wider community, the program provides our clients with healthy and positive examples. Strong
families, safe lifestyles, and personal responsibility are the values we seek to instill.
2009 A message from the Executive Director...
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Dear Friends,
180° Juvenile Diversion’s pilot year has been extremely productive as we worked
Anthony Cotton (President) to build Waukesha County’s youth diversion program.
Attorney Combining education, case management and community service to resolve areas
Kuchler & Cotton Law of concern outside the justice system, our program helps rehabilitate first-time young
offenders while suspending formal criminal justice proceedings. If clients
successfully complete the program, their charges may be reduced or dropped,
Paula Decker depending on arrangements with the Office of the District
Juvenile Education Director Attorney.
Ethan Allen School Beginning in fall 2008, AmeriCorps VISTA members
with Waukesha County UW Extension began researching
Carolyn Hahn effective methods for juvenile diversion. This included
Events Manager reviewing existing research as well as contacting the
directors of programs across the United States in order to
Waukesha County
find best practices of diversion. With the help of UW
Chamber of Commerce Extension, our program was able to utilize resources at
numerous levels — city, county, state and national. These
Marcia Jante resources allowed us to create a program and eventually form an incorporated
Director non-profit organization.
Waukesha County We officially began accepting clients in February 2009, with our first class session
UW Extension starting in April. After the pilot group wrapped up, we started our second session of
participants in August, with our third beginning in early November. We continue to
thoroughly evaluate our program to make improvements, when needed, as we move
Sue Opper
forward.
Assistant District Attorney One of the most important components of our program — and what makes it so
Office of the District Attorney unique — is that our curriculum and methods of diversion are 100 percent
evidence-based. Everything about 180° Juvenile Diversion, from program length to
Andrea Will the amount of volunteer hours participants must complete, is structured based on
Assistant District Attorney what has been proven to be effective in reducing recidivism among young adults.
Office of the District Attorney Looking back at 2009, we had many successes that we can build on in the
upcoming year. I want to personally thank all of our volunteers, board members and
community partners. Without everyone’s help, we could not have been as successful
Peter Wolff as we have been. Please take a look through this annual report to see the progress
Attorney that we have made.
Wolff & Sonderhouse LLP
- Brian Scarberry, Executive Director
Charles Wood
Captain
Waukesha County Metro
Drug Enforcement Unit
Program Overview
Sometimes all it takes is a second chance to turn a life around…
180° Juvenile Diversion not only gives youth an opportunity to have their charges reduced or dropped, but also builds positive
support systems and behavioral changes that will last a lifetime. Through this program, young people are allowed to earn a
second chance.
The research-based program is built on a foundation of family and community involvement, proven methods of diversion
programs from across the U.S. and a solid network of city, county, state and national partnerships. It is a holistic, nine-month
process that includes the following components:
• 72 hours of curriculum and life skills classes
• A minimum of 40 hours of community service
• Six months of case management
• Life skills training
• Drug testing
• Restorative justice initiatives
Providing valuable life skills…
The 24-session formal class focuses on effective communication, alcohol and drug
education, building competencies and strengthening family relationships. In addition,
community speakers assist participants with life skills such as:
• Paving the way to higher education • Financial management & education
• Career development • Effects of drugs & alcohol
• Nutrition & wellness • Navigating the criminal justice system
Making the community a better place…
180° Juvenile Diversion gives youth the opportunity to engage in their community through service hours, providing a chance for
them to make amends. Success of this program will result in fewer caseloads within the criminal justice system and the saving of
taxpayer money. Because the program emphasizes education and career development and advises participants on how to avoid
drugs and alcohol, youth are able to utilize their strengths to benefit the community at large.
Program Staff:
Brian Scarberry, Executive Director (Volunteer) [email protected]
Stephanie Sutton, Case Manager [email protected]
Steve Bailey, AmeriCorps VISTA [email protected]
Sometimes all it takes is a second Laurie Donnell, AmeriCorps VISTA [email protected]
chance to turn a life around. To contact staff, call (262) 548-7780.