Juvenile Diversion
Contact
Carrie Hastreiter
Administrator
Phone: 402-563-4965
Vanessa Oceguera
Bilingual
Phone: 402-563-4970
Location
Comprehensive Juvenile Services/Diversion Program
Platte County Juvenile Services Center
Platte County Courthouse, North Side
Address
1465 27th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: 402-563-4965
Fax: 402-562-6178
Links
Contact
The mission of the Platte County Juvenile Program is to provide an alternative rehabilitation and education program for eligible juveniles in order to give youth the opportunity to become successful and productive citizens without court intervention.
The Platte County Time for Change (T4C) Anti-Gang Coalition aims to unite youth, families, and community partners in the prevention and intervention of youth involved in gang activity.
The attendance monitor is responsible for daily monitoring youth for attendance issues to improve attendance at school. Referral sources include all schools within Platte County. There is no cost for this service.
Financial Assistance
No youth will be denied services for lack of payment. Contact diversion Office for details regarding financial assistance.
Eligibility
The Platte County Juvenile Program is designed for offenders ages 11-17. Eligibility is limited to youth referred by the county attorney who have been cited with an ordinance, infraction, or misdemeanor violation.
Diversion Process
- Youth receives a citation from law enforcement.
- County Attorney receives reports from law enforcement.
- County Attorney determines if youth is diversion eligible and makes referral.
- Diversion administrator receives a copy of referral forms.
- Parent contacts the diversion office to complete a pre-assessment.
- Diversion officer is assigned and schedules intake with youth and parent.
- The diversion contract is individualized and is a standard 3 month period unless completed early or extended in accordance with the specific terms of the contract.
- Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the juvenile case is dismissed and is sealed.
Benefits of Successful Diversion Completion
- Avoids direct court involvement.
- Improved personal responsibility and social skills through program opportunities.
- Additional supervision to assist parents.
- Monitoring of academic performance and providing encouragement for improvement.
- Detailed individualized service plan to assist with program goals.
- Community enhancement through community service hours.
- Increased parental involvement.
- Referral for additional services such as behavioral or substance abuse counseling.
Services
Youth Activity Scholarship
We understand many children have a desire to play sports and participate in other youth activities but have a financial situation that may hinder them from doing so. With that, we offer this activity scholarship to help eligible youth cover enrollment fees to be able to participate in those fun activities!
Triumph Builders Club
Wanna throw some hands? Look no further than this awesome boxing club directed by Mariano Menendez. If you have a middle school student and would like to enhance your body, mind, and spirit, this is for you!
Back-to-School Supplies
Need some help with school supplies? Don’t worry about it! Contact our office or your school guidance office for assistance with supplies. (Limited quantity, while supplies last).
Courthouse
Address
2610 14th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
Hours
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday