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Chesterfield juvenile justice director outlines detention, diversion and rising service needs
Summary
Juvenile justice director Michelle Smith told the Chesterfield County Board that the county’s trauma-informed juvenile programs aim to keep youth in the community; the detention home recorded 291 admissions in FY25 and community placements exceeded 500 last year, she said.
Michelle Smith, director of juvenile justice services, told the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors that the county’s juvenile system focuses on keeping youth in the community through trauma-informed programming and partnerships.
"We're here to serve, support, protect, and empower court involved youth and youth victims," Smith said, describing three core pillars: the juvenile detention home, the adolescent resource pathway, and the Davis Children's Advocacy Center. She said those programs operate under a trauma-informed lens to reduce repeated harm and support families.
Smith gave the board FY25 metrics: the juvenile detention home had 291 admissions and an average daily population of about 25 to 30, community-based programs accounted for more than 500 placements last year, the Davis Children's Advocacy Center conducted 281 forensic interviews and provided 217 therapy sessions. "The need for that continues to grow," she said.
William Stanley, director of the 12th District Court Service Unit, told the board that diversion is a primary tool for juveniles charged with low-level offenses. He said diversion handled roughly 20–30% of eligible juvenile cases two to three years ago and described programs such as shoplifter diversion, substance-abuse diversion and restorative justice.
Stanley said diversion keeps young people out of court and detention while allowing prosecutors and judges to focus on higher‑risk cases. "Once those kids participate in those programs and those families... we typically don't see them back before," he said, describing low recidivism among successful participants.
Smith and other presenters listed local partners that support services, including Brightpoint, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center for certain program deliveries. Smith said the post-dispositional six‑month treatment program allows youth facing commitment to remain local and stay connected to their service providers and families.
The board did not take formal action. Presenters asked board members to consider resource needs as demand grows and noted opportunities to expand community-based services and supports.
