The Juvenile Court Delinquency Prevention Unit designates and trains assistant district attorneys for the prosecution of juvenile cases. In addition, reducing youth violence and crime requires a multifaceted, multidisciplinary and coordinated approach that includes the critical components of early intervention and prevention. In the Northwestern District, District Attorney Scheibel has established the following juvenile justice programs:

• Community-Based Juvenile Justice Program’s
  Violence Intervention and Prevention (V.I.P.) Task Force
  This V.I.P. Task Force is District Attorney Scheibel's response to the legislative mandate to establish, implement and coordinate a partnership of police, schools, law enforcement officials and youth service providers by providing an opportunity for individuals from the fields of law enforcement, justice, education, social service and government to assist in the development of school and community-based programs that prevent juvenile violence and delinquency, develop techniques for the early identification of at-risk youth, divert non-violent juvenile offenders from the juvenile criminal system and insure availability of, and access to, community-based rehabilitative services for at-risk youth.
  
  
• Juvenile Diversion Program (NWDA-JDP)
  When appropriate, first time offenders under age 17 who commit minor criminal offenses will be referred to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Program. The Juvenile Diversion Program is an alternative to the court system. Participating youth are required to attend and complete counseling/education programs, perform community service and, when applicable, pay restitution. Youth who successfully complete the Juvenile Diversion Program prior to arraignment, will have no court record. Cases not appropriate for diversion will be prosecuted through the Juvenile Court. For more information, contact the Juvenile Diversion Specialist, at (413) 586-9225 or (413) 774-3186.
  
  
• Truancy Diversion – "School is Where It’s At" (SIWIA)
  Truancy is a problem that has long-term effects on children, families and the community. The recognition of the significant correlation between a failed school experience and delinquent behavior has been well documented. The “School is Where It’s At” program is a three-step process involving progressively stronger measures to compel students, ages 6 to 16, and their parents to address the truancy problem in a positive manner. The program was developed to send the consistent message that education, personal responsibility and respect for the law are important values in the Northwestern District. The District Attorney assists any school interested in creating or enhancing its attendance or anti-truancy program. For more information contact the Chief of the Juvenile Court Delinquency Prevention Unit at (413) 586-9225.

For more information about youth programs, please go to Community Education & Outreach.