In a Detroit News editorial article, Governor Rick Snyder proposes the state of Michigan needs to step up to do more for juvenile offenders. One of Governor Snyder’s proposals is to establish programs that would determine the best way to treat each offender (“Detroit News,” 2015). Keeping teens at home or in local treatment programs leads to keeping them out of prison as an adult. The reform would encourage a justice system that works in the best interest of the juvenile offender (“Detroit News,” 2015). God commanded His followers to assist others in time of need. The answer is not to automatically incarcerate and teach juvenile offenders a lesson. “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (John 3:17, NIV). There are alternatives that successfully work with the youth to address the offense, outside of court proceedings. Diversion is an alternative method of programs, procedures and structures used to avoid judicial proceedings and a criminal record with youth facing charges (UNICEF, n.d.). Diversion can be used anytime from apprehension until the final disposition hearing (UNICEF, n.d.). The various levels include in increments: no action, a warning, an apology to the victim, payment for the damages, community work, and/or counseling (“Michigan Legislature- Act 13 of 1988,” 1988). There are factors to consider before a decision is made to utilize diversion.
