About Youth Diversion Teams
Youth Diversion Teams (YDTs) are community-based diversion programs that provide early, restorative responses for youth who might otherwise be referred to Juvenile Court for minor violations of the law. The process aims to hold youth accountable for their behavior without resorting to legal sanctions or court oversight.
YDTs aim to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by promoting healing, connection, and opportunity over punishment.
What Is a Youth Diversion Team?
Youth Diversion Teams serve as community alternatives to the juvenile justice system. YDTs operate in numerous communities throughout Connecticut, with most managed by Youth Service Bureaus (YSBs), while others are overseen by nonprofit organizations or municipal agencies.
Through a restorative justice framework, youth referred to YDTs participate in a structured process that includes:
- Meeting with a panel of trained community volunteers
- Acknowledging the impact of their actions
- Co-creating an individualized plan to repair harm
- Accessing services such as therapy, mentoring, or job training
Referrals come from police, schools, courts, and families. The goal is to intervene early – before formal court involvement – and connect youth with the support they need to thrive.
YDTs Serving More Than 135 Communities Across Connecticut
Youth Referred to YDTs Statewide for Minor Offenses or Status Behaviors - Instead of Entering the Justice System in 2025
%
of Youth Successfully Fulfilled Their Diversion Agreements, Preventing Further Involvement in the Justice System in 2024
Connecticut’s Shift Toward Restorative Diversion
Connecticut has taken bold steps to modernize its diversion system. Supported by the Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA), YDT members and staff across the state have been participating in Restorative Justice training over the past three years to shift away from punitive approaches and reimagine how YDTs engage with youth. In 2023, a statewide pilot program launched in six communities, introducing a new Youth Diversion Team (YDT) model grounded in restorative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
Early outcomes show strong promise:
- 84% of closed cases completed their diversion plans successfully
- Youth reported feeling heard and better able to handle challenges at school, home, and in their community
- Families reported improvement in their children and strong support from the YDT process
The Youth Diversion Team Model in Practice
Restoration Over Punishment
Local Leadership and Collaboration
Customized Care Plans Tailored to Each Youth’s Needs
Equity-focused Practices to Reduce Disparities
Expert Resources for Youth Diversion Teams
Whether you’re new to youth services or a seasoned leader, CYSA connects you with trusted guidance, real-world strategies, and the support you need to serve youth and families in your communities with confidence.
YDT Protocols & Manual
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Access upcoming training on a wide range of topics, including prevention, restorative justice, and best practices.
Data Reports
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Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC)
In 2017, the JJPOC developed the Community-Based Diversion System Plan – a roadmap for keeping youth out of court by addressing the root causes of behavior through local, restorative responses like Youth Diversion Teams (YDTs). This work is supported by the Tow Youth Justice Institute at the University of New Haven.
