Title
Youth Diversion Program Interlocal Agreement
Action
Action:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a revenue interlocal agreement with Mecklenburg County through which the city will receive funding to support youth diversion programming.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Raquishela Stewart, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Explanation
* The NC General Assembly charges counties with establishing Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils (JCPC) to plan, organize, and evaluate local programs designed to help prevent or mitigate youth involvement in the justice system. These programs focus on prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare strategies and programs to support youth, strengthen families, and promote community safety.
* Each year, the Mecklenburg County JCPC receives funds for this purpose from the state of North Carolina. The JCPC partners with local agencies through a Request for Proposals process to provide youth services utilizing these state funds.
* On April 1, 2026, the JCPC proposed allocating $238,957 of their state funds to support the city's Office of Youth Opportunities Fiscal Year 2027 Youth Diversion Program (Program), marking the fifteenth year of the city's partnership with Mecklenburg County to provide these services. The JCPC allocation was approved by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners on April 21, 2026.
* Diversion provides an alternative to arrest for young people while maintaining accountability for unlawful actions and supporting efforts to redirect behavior.
* Youth who have committed first-time, minor offenses are referred to the Program by school resource officers, patrol officers, and court counselors from the NC Department of Juvenile Justice.
* After successful completion of the Program, charges are dismissed.
* Program services include interpersonal skill building, conflict resolution, substance awareness, academic coaching, and career development plan workshop...
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