Johnson County officials outline juvenile diversion, court process and detention screening

Justin Montgomery, juvenile court supervisor, and Emily Voss, assistant county attorney, told the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 17 that most juvenile complaints are screened early and many are diverted before court while a minority proceed to formal petitioning. "Any young person under the age of 18 that is a resident of Johnson County that is charged with a simple misdemeanor is eligible for pre‑charge diversion," Montgomery said, describing three diversion “buckets” for substance, assault and other misdemeanors.

The supervisors were shown how pre‑charge diversion operates in practice: law enforcement or intake staff check eligibility and, if eligible, some juveniles are referred to community programs provided through UAY (United Action for Youth). "We offer that opportunity," Montgomery said. Emily Voss said the office tracked pre‑charge diversion counts through Oct. 25, 2024:…