Probation Adjustment - Court Diversion

Pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/5-305, the State's Attorney's Office may authorize a juvenile probation officer to schedule a preliminary conference with a minor who is alleged to have committed an offense, his or her parent/guardian, the victim, the referring police officer, and any other interested persons to determine if the matter can be handled without the filing of a petition. 

A preliminary conference is an opportunity for a minor who has been arrested to have their case handled without formal court involvement.  During a preliminary conference, the probation officer will discuss the details of the offense with the minor and their parent/guardian(s).  If the minor takes responsibility for their behavior and agrees to abide by a Probation Adjustment Plan, the minor will be placed on Informal Supervision with a Probation Officer.  The period of Informal Supervision can last up to 12 months. 

At the end of Informal Supervision, if all conditions of the Probation Adjustment planned have been fulfilled, the minor will be satisfactorily terminated, and their case will be closed without court involvement.  Should the minor be rearrested while on the Informal Supervision or fail to complete all of their conditions set forth in the adjustment plan, the matter will be referred to the States Attorney’s Office where a Delinquency Petition may be filed in Juvenile Court. 

See KAH and JJC tabs in the left column for more information.