Idaho’s Juvenile Justice System is based on the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ). This model focuses on accountability, competency development and community protection. The Blaine County Probation Department utilizes these principles in working with young people and their parents when they have informal or formal involvement with the juvenile justice system.
When a child commits a crime or status offense in Blaine County, their behavior may be addressed through two different processes.
A request for formal charges (a petition) can be made to the Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case will be evaluated and a determination is made whether the case should move forward through a formal juvenile court process
Or
The case is referred to the Blaine County Juvenile Probation Department by the prosecuting attorney, local law enforcement, school resource officer or school personnel for Diversion. Diversion is a process that allows the child to take responsibility for their actions by completing terms of an agreement and allows them to avoid a formal court process.
