Juvenile Arbitration Program-Oconee County
Cause Area
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Justice & Legal
Location
10 Circuit Solicitor's OfficeWalhalla, SC 29691 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
To hold juveniles accountable for their crimes and harm they cause their victim and community. To increase the competency and learning of juvenile offenders so they can beome productive, law-abiding citizens. To ensure public safety by strengthening a community's capacity to prevent and control crime.
Description
The Juvenile Arbitration Program is a community-based diversion program for first time juvenile offenders charged with committing nonviolent crimes in Oconee County. These juveniles are diverted from the juvenile justice system to an arbitration hearing conducted in or near the juvenile's community. Trained volunteer arbitrators conduct the hearings and monitor the juvenile's progress throughout the program. The juvenile's participation in the program is voluntary and requires an admission of facts or guilt. Successful completion of the program enables the juvenile to make amends for his or her crime and avoid formal prosecution Family Court.