Spotlight
Diversion programs for youth are extremely important, as they allow for intervention in a young person’s life at a critical moment and can prevent future involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems. The Kauai Teen Court program on Kauai, Hawaii, is a diversion court infused with a restorative justice approach.
Designed primarily for youth ages 10-18 with a first-time misdemeanor or status offense, the court is served by a jury of teen peers and a volunteer judge. The teen court is a partnership between Hale `Ōpio Kauai, the local school system, the courts, the mayor and the Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. To graduate from teen court and have charges dropped, participants complete different tasks, with the focus on repairing harm. Some teens may write apology letters, attend certain educational courses or complete community service, for example.
While working toward harm reparation, participants receive needed services from the nonprofit service provider, Hale `Ōpio, which offers free services and programs for youth involved in the court program and beyond. Services may include foster care, workforce development and college preparedness. From spring 2020 to spring 2023, the recidivism rate for the teen court program was 3.4 percent—markedly lower than the 21 percent rate for youth not referred to the program. Beyond this low recidivism rate, the program’s approach to youth diversion, holistic services tailored to the needs of teen participants and its emphasis on harm repair make it a promising model.
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