Low self-esteem, poor decision-making ability, dysfunctional families, poor communication skills, and associations with negative peer groups are all characteristics of delinquent youth (Journal, 1993). The Ohio Cooperative Extension Service's Juvenile Diversion programs were designed to address these characteristics in youth. The family unit and peer association are the primary social influence on youth behavior, and the Ohio Extension program focuses on educating families and placing juvenile offenders in programs with positive peer influences. Ohio's youth diversion program began in 1986 and was developed by diversion officers who wanted to help youth develop positive self-esteem, personal values, interpersonal communication skills, ways to deal with stress and peer pressure, and skills to set goals (Journal, 1993). Minor participants may enter this youth diversion program by order of a judge, recommended by a school counselor, through a probation officer, or recommended by a parent. Very often the choice to enroll a minor in this program is preferred over placing the minor in a detention facility. When enrolling in Ohio's youth diversion program, the youth enrolls in 4-H and completes a project. Each session is accompanied by a club meeting, allowing young people to develop leadership skills by leading a business meeting. Parents are referred to the program by Child and Family Services, juvenile probation officers, or referred by a juvenile court judge. Each diversion program jurisdiction determines which process the child's family will participate in. Parenting programs help families address the problems that initiated or reinforced delinquent behavior... middle of paper... ement in the juvenile justice system. OJDA coordinates programs that offer constructive alternatives to formal court procedures. According to the Ohio Juvenile Diversion Association (n.d.), “diversion programs emphasize positive values, personal responsibility, and achievement.” Youth in diversion programs are offered a variety of programs with the goal of learning to cope with stressors and temptations through improved decision-making skills. Juveniles involved in the OJDA are still held accountable for any crimes they commit, but may avoid formal charges (Ohio, n.d.). Works CitedJournal of Extension. (Spring 1993, vol. 31). Youth diversion programs. Retrieved June 11, 2011, from http://www.joe.org/joe/1993spring/iw3.php.Ohio Juvenile Diversion Association. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2011, from http://www.ojda.org/.