DA’s Office to host Juvenile Diversion and Lighthouse Program Open House March 20

The 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office invites community members to a Juvenile Diversion and Lighthouse Program Open House on Wednesday, March 20, from 2 to 6 p.m., to see their new space on the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) campus, 1060 Orchard Ave., and learn about the programs and their recent expansion, and meet the team. 

The DA’s Office recently gained a new space to match the community’s growing need for the crucial services the two programs provide, focused on preventing youth from entering the criminal justice system. The open house will allow community members to stop by and see the newly added space, learn more about the programs, and ask the team questions. 

“We invite everyone in our community to join us at the open house on March 20 to learn more about our initiatives and find ways to get involved with supporting our youth,” said 21st Judicial District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “I also want to extend a huge thank you to Colorado Mesa University for their partnership in this important endeavor — their generous contribution of space and the involvement of their students in our programs have been invaluable.”  

Currently, the Lighthouse Program is actively supporting 69 youths. To date, 96 participants have been engaged in the program, receiving services from referrals to external community resources to full-scale intensive case management tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

The Lighthouse Program is voluntary and seeks to identify youth with risk factors that put them at risk of dropping out of school, committing crimes, and beginning substance use. The program’s goal is prevention and intervention through support, services, and education for the youth and their families.

At present, 88 youths are enrolled in the Juvenile Diversion Program. Since July 1, 2021, this program has seen 633 youths complete their diversion plans, effectively avoiding the traditional court process. 

With goals similar to those of the Lighthouse Program, the Juvenile Diversion program is an opportunity to divert juvenile cases from the court. It allows the juvenile to avoid having an adjudication on their record, given the unique circumstances that often occur surrounding youth who commit crimes. 

Please visit the Juvenile Diversion and Lighthouse Programs webpage for more information about the juvenile programs.