Deferred Prosecution (6 month program)

The court offers Deferred Prosecution to juveniles who are younger, non-violent offenders. The program guides them through six months of specialized programs, intensive counseling and supervision aimed at avoiding adjudication and diverting them from the juvenile justice system. Parent-training workshops, AIDS education, anger management and peer pressure programs are designed to teach juveniles to act responsibly. Drug-dependent youth are referred for therapy and education. Youth accused of shoplifting are referred to a home study program designed for shoplifters. Upon successful completion of their Deferred Prosecution contract, the case can be dismissed. In 2005, an average of 1,290 juveniles participated in the Deferred Prosecution program each month.

Deferred Prosecution (3 month program)

he Juvenile Division of the District Attorney's office reviews a number of Progressive Sanction Level II cases such as Contempt of Court cases referred by Justice of the Peace Courts.  They return some cases to the Juvenile Probation Department for counseling and follow-up by both juvenile probation officers (JPOs) and highly trained volunteers from the Junior League of Houston.  Last year, these volunteers worked with 438 cases. Families are asked to sign a three-month contract under, which they agree to supervision by the department as an alternative to a formal court hearing.  The three-month Deferred Prosecution program staff also assists the six-month Deferred Prosecution program by monitoring a select number of juvenile cases referred for that program.  These youth receive counseling, attend monthly workshops, participate in the Community Service Restitution program and are required to report regularly on their progress.  They are often referred to other agencies for additional assistance.