Juvenile Services

Location

The Comprehensive Juvenile Services/Diversion programs are located in the Platte County Juvenile Services Center which is at 1465 27th Avenue, north side of the Courthouse.

Address

1465 27th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601

Fax

402-562-6178

Links

Suicide Report Reponse
Flow Chart

Carrie Hastreiter - Director
402-563-4965

The mission of the Platte Valley Diversion Program is to provide an alternative rehabilitation and education program for eligible juvenile offenders in order to give youth the opportunity to become successful and productive citizens.

 

 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.

Vanessa Oceguera
402-563-4970

The Attendance Monitor is responsible for monitoring youth for attendance issues daily 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 the diversion office for details regarding Financial Assistance.

Eligibility:

The Platte Valley Diversion Program (PVDP) is designed for offenders, ages 11-17. Eligibility is limited to persons referred by the County Attorney who have been charged with an ordinance, infraction or misdemeanor violation.

Who might qualify to participate in the diversion program a second time?

Determination is made by the county attorney in conjunction with the diversion program Administrator.

Requirements:

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Enrollment Time:

Up to 60 days

12 weeks

14 weeks

Classes:
  • Why Try Class (Non-traffice;non-licensed traffic offenders)
  • Alive @ 25 (All licensed traffic offenders must complete), SAAC (if applicable)

Non-substance

  • Why Try
  • Parent Class
  • Social Boundaries
    (if applicable)

Substance Offenses

  • Substance Abuse Awareness Class (SAAC)
  • Why Try
  • Parent Class
  • Why Try
  • Parent Class
  • SAAC (if applicable)
  • Social Boundaries
    (if applicable)

Examples of Eligible Offenses:
  • Curfew
  • Fireworks
  • Littering
  • Minor in Poss. of Tobacco/Vape

Traffic Offenses

  • Careless Driving
  • Driving without a Headlight
  • Exhibition of Acceleration
  • Failure to Yield / Stop
  • Follow too Closely
  • Leaving the Scene of Accident
  • No Operator's License
  • No Registration
  • Provisional Operator's Permit Violation
  • Racing on a Roadway
  • Reckless Driving
  • Seat Belt Violation
  • Speeding, Traffic Signal
  • Violation of Learner's Permit
  • Violation of School Permit
  • 3rd Degree Arson
  • Unauthorized use of Vehicle
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
  • Discharge Firearms in City Limits
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Disturbing the Peace
  • False Reporting
  • Trespassing
  • Obstruction of a Police Officer
  • Shoplifting
  • Substance Offenses
  • Aiding and Abetting MIP
  • Procuring Alcohol for a Minor
  • Minor in Consumption
  • Minor in Poss. of Alcohol
  • MIP of Marijuana
  • MIP of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Open Container
  • Zero Tolerance
  • Theft
  • Truancy

Diversion Process

  1. Youth receives a citation from law enforcement.
  2. County Attorney receives reports from law enforcement.
  3. County Attorney determines if youth is diversion eligible and makes referral.
  4. Diversion staff receives a copy of referral forms.
  5. Parent or juvenile contacts the diversion office to schedule a pre-assessment.
  6. Diversion staff determines the level of services depending on type of offense and pre-assessment outcome.
  7. Diversion staff contacts parent regarding the level of diversion their son/daughter must enroll in.
  8. Diversion intake is scheduled
  9. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the juvenile case is dismissed and the case is sealed.

Benefits of Successful Diversion Completion

  • No appearance in juvenile / criminal court.
  • Improved personal responsibility and social skills through program opportunities.
  • Additional supervision to assist parents.
  • Monitoring of academic performance providing encouragement for improvement.
  • Detailed program service plan to assist with program goals.
  • Community service in lieu of court fines.
  • Increased parental involvement.
  • Restitution where applicable.
  • Referral services for behavioral and substance abuse counseling when needed.