Westbrook’s Youth Diversion Teams offers a community-based alternative to the juvenile court system for young residents who are first time offenders.

What Benefits Does a YDT Offer?

A Youth Diversion Teams (YDT) is a healthy addition to a community as it offers its youth the opportunity to avoid juvenile court for lesser transgressions. Instead, youth are encouraged to accept consequences from their community. These diversions can reflect a more informed community perspective and a rehabilitative approach.  With the right interventions and the display of community support, we hope to actively discourage future offenses from these kids.

YDTs are becoming increasingly important to the juvenile court system as an alternative to harsh consequences for first time offenders.  With the age change to 17, juvenile courts expect to see an increase in caseload. Involved parties are able to redirect to the town’s YDT at their discretion instead of processing every incident through the court system. Police can already refer to the YDTs when certain criteria are met. YDTs are also instrumental as an additional resource for truancy and defiance of school rules cases.

Comprised of community leaders, those close to the child, and volunteers, Westbrook’s YDTs are committed to helping the youth of Westbrook. YDT members include town officials, police, active community members, representatives from public and private schools, local non-profit organizations, court support services, and youth and family services. The youth’s personal connections such as coaches, extended family members, pastors, etc. are welcome to join in order to help develop a plan collaboratively.

YDT proceedings are confidential.

More Information
YDT referrals are made by the police or state trooper on the scene.  For information on whether or not the YDT is an option, please contact the Westbrook Resident State Trooper or Westbrook Youth and Family Services.

Contact us today!
We welcome your questions and queries. Are you a committed supporter of this community and would like to serve on the YDT?  Please let us know!