Commissioner Rowland Explores Expanded DA’s Office Youth Programs

Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland toured the Lighthouse and Juvenile Diversion programs' newly expanded space on the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) campus, 1060 Orchard Ave., to learn more about their services and their expansion.

The District Attorney’s Office has expanded its facilities to better serve the community through these two critical programs, which aim to keep youth out of the criminal justice system. 

The Lighthouse Program currently supports 69 young individuals by providing customized services ranging from external referrals to intensive case management, with 96 participants to date. It targets at-risk youth to prevent school dropout, criminal behavior, and substance use through support and education for both the youth and their families.

The Juvenile Diversion Program, with 88 current participants, has successfully guided 633 youths away from the court system since July 1, 2021, by offering alternatives that avoid a criminal record.

Both programs aim to divert youth from criminal activity through prevention and intervention strategies. For further details, visit the Juvenile Diversion and Lighthouse Programs webpage.