Youth Diversion Team
The AHM Youth Diversion Team offers a different path for youth who have caused harm—one rooted in accountability, healing, and repair, rather than punishment. If your child, student, or someone you care about is involved in an arrestable offense, we support meaningful responsibility and healing for everyone affected—youth, families, those directly harmed, and the community.
The AHM Youth Diversion Team provides a trauma-informed, restorative response to harm caused by youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who have been involved in an arrestable offense. The program prioritizes accountability, healing, and community safety, without relying on punishment or traditional justice system involvement. It creates a supportive, structured space where young people take responsibility for their actions and work to make things right. The process promotes truth-telling, repair, and personal growth by centering the needs of those who were harmed, those who caused harm, and the broader community. At its heart, the Youth Diversion Team believes that accountability isn’t about punishment—it’s about understanding the impact of harm and taking real steps to repair it. The AHM Youth Diversion Team brings together Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia with shared restorative values and distinct community needs. By pooling local resources and expertise, the regional model ensures all referred youth receive equitable, trauma informed support.
About the Program:
What Is the Youth Diversion Team?
The Youth Diversion Team is a community-based, trauma-informed restorative justice diversion program for youth ages 10 to 17 involved in an arrestable offense. Instead of facing court or probation, youth participate in a process where they take responsibility, hear from those impacted, and create a plan to repair harm. We bring together youth who have caused harm, those who have been harmed (if they choose to participate), and trained volunteers in a safe, facilitated setting. Together, they work to understand what happened, collaboratively determine what needs to happen to correct the harm, and how everyone can move forward. This is not about punishment—it’s about making things right.
How It Works:
A Restorative Process in Four Steps
- Referral: Youth are referred by police, school resource officers, the Juvenile Court, or other partners, rather than being sent to court.
- Preparation: Trained staff meet with youth, families, and others affected to understand what happened and prepare for dialogue with the Youth Diversion Team.
- Restorative Meeting: All parties come together (when safe and appropriate) to discuss the harm, take accountability, and create a repair agreement.
- Follow-Through: The youth completes the agreement with support from the Youth Diversion Team. Once done, the case is closed with no formal charges.
Why It Matters
- Youth learn to take responsibility for their actions and repair damaged relationships.
- Families and youth are supported, not punished.
- Those who were harmed have a voice and are an integral part of the healing process.
- The community helps guide outcomes and restore trust.
- Long-term system involvement is avoided.
Who Can Participate Eligibility Criteria:
Youth may be eligible for the Youth Diversion Team if:
- They are between 10 and 17 years old
- They have been involved in an arrestable offense
- They accept responsibility and agree to participate
- The case is referred by a partner agency (e.g., law enforcement, school resource officer, Juvenile Court)
For Families:
If your child has caused harm, it can feel overwhelming. The Youth Diversion Team provides support, structure, and an opportunity to make amends without formal charges. We guide your child through a fair and thoughtful process that helps them:
- Understand the impact of their actions
- Repair harm in a real and meaningful way
- Rebuild trust with you, the community, and themselves
- You’ll be supported every step of the way
For Those Harmed Your voice matters.
If a young person’s actions harmed you, you deserve to be heard. In the Youth Diversion Team process, you’ll be invited (but never required) to share how the harm affected you and what repair looks like. We prioritize safety, support, and empowerment, and our facilitators will work with you to determine the level of participation that feels right for you.
Volunteer / Get Involved Be part of the solution.
Community members play a vital role in the Youth Diversion Team. Volunteers help facilitate healing conversations, support youth in completing agreements, and offer wisdom and accountability. Training is provided; no prior legal or professional experience is required, but a basic understanding of youth development is necessary.
Referring Partners Working Together to Create Better Outcomes
If you’re a police officer, school administrator, probation officer, or prosecutor looking for meaningful alternatives for youth, the Youth Diversion Team is ready to partner with you. We handle intake, preparation, facilitation, and case follow-up. Our process is evidence informed, community-centered, and aligned with public safety goals.
Get in touch. Have questions? Want to learn more? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help.
YDT Case Manager for Andover, Hebron & Marlborough: Ashlee Parks
Phone: 860-228-9488, x22
Email: AshleeP@ahmyouth.org
YDT Case Manager for Columbia: Stefanie Kidd
Phone: 860-228-9493, x 179
Email: Skidd@hwporter.org
