AT A G:AMCE
Benton County Youth Diversion Program
The program is for first-time, nonviolent youth offenders between the ages 14 to 18. They can be selected to participate in the six-month program instead of jail time and a conviction on their record.
Source: Staff Report
BENTONVILLE — The girl was arrested for possessing marijuana at 16, but she never appeared in a courtroom. The teen, instead, was among the first group of participants in the Benton County Youth Diversion Program.
The girl and nine other youths, who are not being identified because they are juveniles, were recognized Thursday evening for graduating from the program. Two other teens graduated, but were unable to attend the ceremony.
An assignment early in the program had participants look into a mirror and write about what they saw. The girl admits she did not take it seriously.
One of their last assignments was to look into a mirror again and write about what they saw.
She said she had changed.
“I see a totally more honest person with her family, and I’m not in a bad mood all the time,” she read Thursday.
Now 17, she sees a more grown-up person with goals to achieve. She hopes to graduate high school.
“I was lucky to have the opportunity for the program,” she said. “It’s a great program.”
A teenage boy stood next and read about his time in the mirror. He said he had a mistrust of law enforcement. He had to spend time with Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who act as mentors in the program. The teen said he had learned to give people an opportunity before judging them.
“I never thought I would have anything in common with a cop,” the teen said.
He and Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brandon Rogers, his mentor, both share a love of wrestling.
Deputy Mike Wedgewood said he believes a maturing and transformation began after the group toured the Benton County Jail and had the opportunity to listen to some inmates share their stories.
“These are definitely different young adults that are sitting here than the ones six months ago,” Wedgewood said. “They realized that they did not want to be on the other side of the door of the jail,” he said.
The six-month program consists of two classes per month dealing with issues such as self esteem, anger management, career planning and communication.
Deputy Doug Gay, public information officer for the Sheriff's Office, said the classes are taught by local business leaders, counselors and employees of the sheriff’s office.
The participants must complete 20 hours of organized community service. The class adopted a two-mile portion of Arkansas 12 and picked up litter on Saturdays. They also had to write apology letters to people they offended.
Sheriff Keith Ferguson thanked the teens and their parents for their participation in the program.
“We all have to follow rules and regulations,” Ferguson said. “Stay on that path.”
Circuit Judge Jay Finch, who handles juvenile cases in the county, advised the participants to be careful of the attitudes they portray to others.
“Your attitude is the one thing you get to pick every day every hour,” Finch said. “The better your attitude, then the better your relationship with other people.”