Diversion Program

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YSB gives families the tools they need to support their children

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We all make mistakes, our kids included, and we are here to help!

Diversion is a community based, early-intervention program designed for juveniles.

YSB’s Diversion services are a good fit for a young person who:

  • has concerning behaviors at home, school, or in the community
  • has made a mistake, or bad decision—often with unintended, negative outcomes
  • could be charged with an age-related or delinquent offense, and/or processed through the Juvenile Justice system

How Diversion HELPS

Over the past 45+ years, YSB has specifically tailored our Diversion services to meet the needs of struggling youth—while also holding them accountable for their decisions and actions in the process.

Our staff work with individual youth and their families through interactive sessions that help youth learn from their mistakes, take responsibility for their behavior, find acceptable alternatives, make amends to those injured by their actions and give back to their community.

We also involve parents and guardians in the process—giving adults the support they need to guide their children through difficult times and ensuring the most positive outcome.

 

MEET OUR SPECIALIST

Tala Bain, B.S.

Tala Bain helps youth involved in minor offenses avoid deeper justice system involvement by encouraging accountability and connecting them to resources. She previously served as a substitute teacher in District 833 and holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

Tala is passionate about making a positive impact on youth within her community.
Fun Fact: She has climbed the Great Wall of China and loves gardening.

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Accurate information to make better choices.

Diversion Services Include

YSB’s program outcomes show that when young people and their families are provided with accurate information, opportunities to learn and effective support, they can make better choices in their lives—and things will improve.

Our services are professional, affordable, and confidential. We also offer a sliding fee scale, as needed.

General Assessment

$15

Parent/Guardian attends

During the General Assessment process, youth and their families meet with a YSB Youth Diversion Specialist to collaboratively explore the challenges they are experiencing. Together, they develop a tailored plan aimed at addressing these issues, which may include community service, awareness initiatives, written apologies, counseling, or participation in other YSB programs.

Chemical Awareness Program (CAP)

$60

Parent/Guardian attends

Learn about a variety of chemicals and the consequences of use. Class goals include helping youth make better decisions regarding chemical use and providing parents with reliable information and suggestions for managing use.

Responsible Social Media Use (RSMU)

$60

Parent/Guardian attends

Designed to help youth who are struggling to use social media in a healthy way. Depending on the situation – sessions cover media use, social interactions, healthy relationships, consequences, positive decision making, building self-confidence, and setting goals.

Creative Response to Conflict (CRC)

$60

Parent/Guardian attends

This program guides participants in understanding the negative outcomes and long-term consequences that can result from poor communication styles, such as misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and unresolved conflict. Through interactive lessons and practical examples, the program also introduces participants to foundational tools for building healthier communication habits. It emphasizes the importance of active listening, expressing oneself clearly and respectfully, and recognizing the role emotions play in conflict. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to begin resolving conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner.

Theft Awareness Program (TAP)

$60

Parent/Guardian attends

This class explores the consequences of shoplifting and theft, emphasizing how decision-making is influenced by personal values. Students are encouraged to reflect on their choices and consider the long-term impact of their actions on themselves and others.

Community Work Service

No Fee

Parent/Guardian attends

This program is designed to assist youth in fulfilling community service hours. Youth and their families meet with YSB staff to discuss the nature of the offense and explore appropriate ways to give back to the community through service or payment. After completing their service or payment, they reconvene with YSB staff to reflect on their experience and discuss how they contributed to repairing the harm caused.

Teen Intervene

$80

Parent/Guardian attends

This harm-reduction program is designed to assist youth and parents in navigating mild to moderate substance use and abuse through a series of comprehensive sessions. The program emphasizes collaborative goal setting, identifying barriers and challenges, and developing practical strategies for change. Additionally, participants receive education about alcohol, drugs, and available treatment options to promote informed decision-making and healthier choices.

Fire Awareness Program

This program, led by the local fire department, helps participants understand the dangers and consequences of fire-related behavior, including misuse of fire, arson, and unsafe practices. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, the program raises awareness about the legal, physical, and emotional impacts of fire incidents. It also emphasizes the importance of fire safety, prevention strategies, and personal responsibility. Participants gain valuable insight into how their choices can affect themselves, their families, and their communities, while learning practical steps to stay safe and make more responsible decisions around fire.

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Accurate information to make better choices.

Sites We Trust

"YSB has been an invaluable partner in helping us address significant issues related to chemical use among students. Research studies show that risk, harm, and death from illicit substances among youth are rising. Partnering with YSB gives our school both proactive and reactive measures to address chemical issues with our students and is a vital component of how we provide a measure of safety to our students in today's challenging world."

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"The needs of our students grow more complex every day; trauma, social media addiction, anxiety, depression, chemical use, risky behaviors. Schools are challenged to meet these ongoing needs with limited resources. YSB partners with us and provides the resources to support our students and families in the Stillwater Area community".

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“For years, I have been an advocate of the notion that “it takes a village” to raise confident & capable youth. YSB is one of those partners in the village of our community that offer services our youth and families need to navigate the challenges of life. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff from YSB to meet people in our community where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.”

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"I learned to make better choices, and that even small actions without intention could lead to something serious and bad happening."

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"I have personally attended several programs associated with district 834 schools and have always walked away with a positive learning experience......and an opportunity to engage my kids who were also in attendance. Be proactive, stay informed. "

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"I have stopped participating in drugs on my own and I'm proud of the will power I have to hold myself from bad decisions, along with the help of outside people like my therapist and big sister."

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"I'm proud that I was able to talk about my bad choice and then discuss better ways to handle the situation and better prepared for the future."

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"We appreciate very much your willingness to participate in the Yellow Ribbon events. Your work makes an important difference for the soldiers, their families, and especially their children. Thank you!"

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"As a parent, I enjoyed the diversion class! It’s wonderful to see you teaching the kids meaningful lessons and positive values in life. "

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Cottage Grove

7064 W Point Douglas Rd
Suite #201
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
651-458-5224

Stillwater

6120 Oren Avenue N
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-439-8800

Woodbury

7876 Hudson Rd
Suite #1
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-735-9534

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