This means that the court referee 'diverts' or moves the case from the formal court system to a less formal process. This will keep the offense from being part of the youth's criminal record.
Several factors are taken into account when considering whether a case should be considered for diversion, including the nature of the offense, the youth's age, any background problems leading to the offense, the youth's character and conduct, and behavior in family and school settings.
Options for diversion can range from a warning from the court, requiring the youth to write an apology letter, requiring the youth participate in community service, having to pay restitution to the victim of the crime, or being required to attend behavioral counseling, as some examples.