The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice recently announced an award of $16,670 to the Seward County Pretrial Diversion Program.
     The funds will go toward adding a part-time caseworker to the diversion staff. The caseworker will oversee service projects, lead field trips, attend monthly school lunches and monitor participants' progress over the duration of the six-month program.
     "This funding has a positive impact on our program because it will offer specialized, one-on-one contact with a caseworker," Seward County Pretrial Diversion Program Director Denise Janssen said. "We thank the commission for its award."
     Seward County Bridges assisted with the grant application and will do required reporting and funds management.
     The grant also helps fund the services of licensed mental health care practitioners who teach communication and decision-making classes to program participants.
     The juvenile diversion program is administered in collaboration with the Seward County Attorney's Office. The attorney refers first-time criminal offenders to the diversion program. In exchange for class attendance, community service and meeting other program requirements, the crime is not documented on the offender's record.
     The diversion program employs the scientific-based 40 Developmental Assets in its approach, with its goal of improving participants' decision-making, communications, responsibility and community involvement skills. Last year, the diversion program served 168 individuals, and participants paid more than $10,000 in restitution to crime victims.
     The awarded funds complement the current diversion program funding provided by the Seward County Commissioners.