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Gage County
1115 West Scott St.
Beatrice NE 68310
Phone: (402) 223-1384
FAX: (402) 223-1370
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Gage County
Juvenile Diversion Program

Offering youth a second chance to make a positive decision

This program offers youth from ages 12 - 17 an alternative to the court system when they make a wrong decision that leads to a juvenile offense. Youth are typically referred by law enforcement, but may also come from schools or parents.

The youth and one or both parents are given the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program where they learn and work together on activities that teach life skills and improve interpersonal relationships. Each class lasts 2½ hours and includes homework that must be completed by both the student and parent. The student must complete 8 hours of community service as well .

Specific topics include:

Understanding & Positively Expressing Feelings Alcohol/Drug Use and Abuse
Understanding Differences in Personality Consequences and Behavior
Communication Skills Decision Making
Conflict Management Making Responsible Choices
Problem Solving Skills Goal Setting

The Juvenile Diversion Program is governed by anAdvisory Council composed of representatives of youth agencies, the judicial system, schools & other concerned citizens. Members include:

  • Bruce Lang, Beatrice Chief of Police
  • Dr. Dale Kruse, Beatrice School Superintendent
  • Millard Gustafson, Gage County Sheriff
  • Steve Whitwer, Wymore Southern Principal
  • Randall Ritnour, Gage County Attorney
  • Steve Timm, Gage County Judge
  • John Jarosh, Beatrice High School Asst Principal
  • Bob Michl, Freeman High School Principal
  • Diane Courtney, Former Juvenile Team Member

Curriculum Development and Teaching Team members:

Christina Lyons, M.A., Coordinator, Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court
Dianne Swanson, M.S., Extension Educator, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension
Betsy Spilker, M.A., Counselor, Beatrice Middle School
Sondra Germer, M.S., 4-H Coordinator, UNL 4-H Youth Development

Cooperating Staff:
Stephanie Wallman, Community Service Coordinator
Kerri McGrury, Victim Assistance Coordinator

Program Coordinator: Dianne Swanson

Outcome

Between September 1993 and August 2007, 849 youth have successfully completed the program. This represents a savings to Gage County taxpayers of approximately $297,150.

With a successful completion, a youth's offense is removed from the court record and the youth is given the opportunity to go forward with a "clean slate".
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to Contact our Staff

Paul C Hay, Extension Educator
Jane Esau,, 4-H Program		 Dianne Swanson,, Extension Educator
General Address: gage-county@unl.edu

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN EXTENSION educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska and United States Department of Agriculture. We assure reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.