Low self-esteem, poor decision-making, dysfunctional families, poor communication skills, and associations with negative peer groups are all characteristics of juvenile delinquents (Journal , 1993). The Ohio Cooperative Extension Service's juvenile diversion programs were designed to address these characteristics in juveniles. The family unit and peer association is the primary social influence on youth behavior and the Ohio Extension program focuses on educating families and placing delinquent youth in programs with positive peer influences. The Ohio Juvenile Diversion Program began in 1986 and was developed by diversion officers who wanted to help juveniles develop positive self-esteem, personal values, interpersonal communication skills, ways of manage stress and peer pressure and skills in setting goals (Journal, 1993). Juvenile participants may participate in this juvenile diversion program by being mandated by a judge, recommended by a school counselor, through a probation officer, or recommended by a parent. Very often, the choice is made to enroll a minor in this program rather than placing them in a detention center. When enrolling in the Ohio juvenile diversion program, the juvenile enrolls in 4-H and completes a project. A club meeting accompanies each session, allowing miners to develop their leadership skills by hosting a business meeting. Parents are referred to the program by Child and Family Services, juvenile probation officers, or referred by the juvenile court judge. Each diversion program jurisdiction determines which process the juvenile's family will participate in. Parenting programs help families address issues that triggered or reinforced delinquent behavior...... middle of paper ...... ement in the juvenile justice system. OJDA coordinates programs that provide constructive alternatives to formal court proceedings. According to the Ohio Juvenile Diversion Association (nd), “diversion programs emphasize positive values, personal responsibility and achievement.” Juveniles participating in diversion programs are offered a variety of programs with the goal of learning to cope with stressors and temptation through improved decision-making skills. Juveniles involved in OJDA are still held accountable for any crimes they have committed, but can avoid formal charges (Ohio, n.d.). Works Cited Journal of Extension. (Spring 1993, vol. 31). Juvenile diversion programs. Accessed June 11, 2011, from http://www.joe.org/joe/1993spring/iw3.php.Ohio Juvenile Diversion Association. (nd). Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://www.ojda.org/.