Franklin County Launches Juvenile Felony Diversion Program
Posted on 11/18/2025
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The new initiative is designed to address delinquent behavior outside of traditional courts.
A new Franklin County initiative aims to reduce juvenile delinquency and improve outcomes for both victims and youth offenders through a restorative, non-traditional approach to justice. Centered on accountability, restoration, and prevention, the program seeks to address the root causes of offending behavior while promoting healing and community safety.
The Juvenile Felony Diversion (JFD) Program — a one-year pilot launched in partnership between the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch — will direct eligible youth to the court’s Youth Education & Intervention Services (YEIS) Department.
YEIS offers a range of evidence-based, research-informed programs, including the Community Restorative Justice Circles Program, which brings together juveniles, families, victims and community members to collectively pursue restitution, accountability, and healing. The JFD pilot aims to ease pressure on court dockets, enhance judicial efficiency, and reduce costs to the juvenile justice system while giving young people a meaningful opportunity to take responsibility and change course.
The Juvenile Felony Diversion Program focuses on low-level felony offenses involving $500 or less in restitution. Eligible offenses include:
- Theft
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Breaking and Entering
- Vandalism
- Possession of Drugs
For perspective, if the JFD program had been in place in 2024, 315 cases would have been eligible for the program.
This new initiative gives victims a stronger voice in the justice process. Victims will be notified before any case is referred, as their consent is required for participation. In a first-of-its-kind feature, restitution of up to $500 will be paid to victims upfront, ensuring they are made whole more quickly and reinforcing the program’s commitment to accountability and restoration.
“This initiative reflects an innovative, intentional, and more balanced approach to juvenile justice,” said Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor. “We’re holding young people accountable for their actions and investing in their potential to change course. At the same time, we’re centering the voices of victims and giving them a meaningful role in the process of repair and resolution.”
Once a juvenile is referred and approved for diversion, they will enter a 90-day program overseen by the Youth Education & Intervention Services Department. Successful completion of all program requirements will result in the case being dismissed, sealed, and expunged. Failure to complete the program will result in the case being reactivated and returned to the traditional court process.
“By holding youth accountable in a restorative, community-based setting, we help them repair the harm they’ve caused, strengthen family support and take responsibility in a constructive way,” said Lead Juvenile Judge Lasheyl Stroud. “That approach not only benefits victims and families but also makes our community safer.”
The prosecutor’s office and the Court will screen felony cases under strict criteria outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Cases not eligible for Juvenile Felony Diversion include repeat or dangerous offenders, those with weapon offenses, and those convicted of the following offenses:
- Offenses of Violence
- Agg. Vehicular Homicide
- Vehicular Homicide
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
- Gross Sexual Imposition
The Juvenile Felony Diversion program will be closely monitored throughout its first year. Representatives from the prosecutor’s office and juvenile court will meet quarterly to review outcomes, track progress and make adjustments as needed.