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Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action


May 25, 2023

PESA PILOTS NEW DIVERSION PROGRAM

PESA provides an additional pathway to divert youth from the juvenile justice system

Earlier this year, PESA piloted its latest diversion program, Teen Diversion Panels. The program is based on principles of transformative justice that empower minors to take responsibility for their conduct and help repair the harm done to the individuals or community victimized by their conduct. Community members have the opportunity to take an active role in shaping what that restoration entails, and the minor is required to take advantage of services designed to reduce their likelihood of recidivism. 


The Teen Diversion Panel is facilitated by a PESA staff member and consists of panelists chosen from PESA’s Education and Behavioral Health departments as well as high school students, who question the minor and determine what diversion conditions they must complete to rectify the harm caused. When the minor successfully completes the requirements given by the panel, the minor’s case is sealed. 


Cindy Henriquez, Director of the Community Attendance Assistance Panel (CAAP) shares that, “In the few diversion panels I have served on, I was able to see that a safe space was created for the minor and their parent or guardian.” This first-hand experience was also validated by the clients Henriquez works with directly: “[minors] have expressed to me how they felt heard and not judged for the incident that ultimately led them to work with PESA.”


The driving force behind this program was to develop a model for minors who would respond better to a smaller panel rather than a jury of a dozen peers. According to Dr. Michael Johnson, Director of PESA’s Behavioral Health Department, "While Teen Court sessions are important in providing a setting for minors to gain insight from their peers, the Diversion Panels provide an opportunity for those clients who are intimidated by larger settings or those who experience personal, emotional or mental health issues to display their best selves in a more comfortable space for them and their family or guardians. The intention is for PESA to create a positive environment so that the minor can begin to thrive in a manner that not only directs them to a positive place in society, but also supports and guides them to being and presenting their best selves for life."


Over the last few months, PESA has hosted dozens of Diversion Panels. The unique aspect of the program is the diverse educational backgrounds and lived experiences of those who come together to support the minor, from staff facilitators and Teen Court Alumni to high school students and social work interns.


Jesus Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Youth Services and Bellflower High School Teen Court Alumni, shares that his involvement as a panelist has granted him the opportunity to question minors, determine culpability and recommend impactful conditions of diversion. “The line of inquiry I employ is designed to provide a complete understanding of the sequence of events surrounding the case. This meticulous approach allows us to make well-informed decisions and extend the necessary guidance to rehabilitate the minors,” says Gonzalez. 


Mercedes Virgen, a Master of Social Work (MSW) Intern shares that, “The diversion panels reiterate PESA 's mission statement of valuing and empowering our youth. As panelists and case managers, we acknowledge that a mistake was made, yet their future will become brighter due to the support the minor and their family will receive from PESA.” 


These panels serve as a reminder to all but especially to the minors, that an individual is not defined by their mistakes but what they do afterwards to become better.



If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.

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