Diversion


The Pike County Juvenile Court offers a Diversion Program as an alternative to formal court proceedings for eligible juveniles alleged to have committed certain unruly or delinquent acts. Diversion may also be used for first-time juvenile traffic offenders. Diversion is designed to hold young people accountable for their actions while avoiding the long-term consequences of a formal juvenile court record, when appropriate.

Purpose of Diversion

Diversion programs aim to:

  1. Provide an appropriate sanction and consequence for a juvenile's behavior outside of the formal court process.
  2. Reduce the number of youths penetrating deeper into the juvenile justice system for low-level or first-time offenses.
  3. Connect juveniles and families with community resources, counseling, and support services that address the underlying causes of the behavior.
  4. Encourage accountability, personal responsibility, and positive behavioral change.
  5. Reserve formal court resources and proceedings for cases that require more intensive judicial intervention.

How Diversion Works

  1. A juvenile is referred to the Diversion Program, when a citation or formal complaint is filed or as an alternative to formal adjudication.
  2. Eligibility is reviewed based on factors such as the nature of the alleged offense, the juvenile's prior record, and the recommendation of the Probation Department and/or Prosecutor's Office
  3. If accepted, the juvenile and their family agree to complete specific conditions, which may include community service, restitution, counseling, educational programs, truancy intervention, or other corrective measures.
  4. Successful completion of the diversion agreement generally results in the case being resolved without formal adjudication or a delinquency finding.
  5. Failure to comply with the terms of the diversion agreement may result in the case being referred back to the Juvenile Court for formal proceedings.

Who Administers Diversion?

Diversion services are coordinated through the Pike County Juvenile Court's Probation, Diversion, Truancy, and Grants division, working in partnership with the Pike County Prosecutor's Office, area school districts, and local social service agencies.

For More Information

Families, schools, or referring agencies seeking more information about the Diversion Program should contact the Juvenile Court at (740) 947-5914, or visit our office at the Pike County Government Center, 230 Waverly Plaza, Suite 600, Waverly, Ohio 45690.


This statement is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals with questions about a specific case should consult with an attorney.