We went to our appointment with the juvenile officer. I am not sure if the details really matter but in case someone out there wonders what happens when you report your teen to the police, I will give the details on our experience. Unfortunately, they were disorganized and has us down as a custody case. So that started things off on the wrong foot. Then when we finally met, the officer was confused as to why we filed for a CHINS. (Child in Need of Service) That was what they told us to do when we went in 2 weeks ago. He looked over our report and said we should have filed a criminal complaint 2 weeks ago for damage of property. So, he made us fill out a different form and scheduled us to come back in over a week. He explained that he would set us up for a diversion program which basically is a 120 day contract that our son will have to follow. We don't know exactly what that will entail. But he said it might include mandatory therapy sessions, random drug testing, good behavior at home. Etc. If he successfully completes diversion, then he is "off the hook" and all of this comes off his record at 18. Diversion does not have to be reported to schools or potential employers as it is not a criminal charge. If he does not complete diversion successfully, then his case will move to the courts and he will have to answer to the judge. I pray he takes this seriously and turns himself around. He is furious at us now. I knew he would be. I think the part that really made him mad was knowing that the drug testing was for real and he will have to stop smoking. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to follow through.
