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Our Organization





About Youth Diversion

For over 45 years, Youth Diversion has been a trusted leader in providing effective, community-based programs for young people across Windsor and Essex County. Our mission is to guide and support youth in making positive choices, building resilience, and fostering personal growth through education, mentorship, and intervention services.

Youth Diversion

Youth Diversion

 

Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities

Using a youth-centered approach and evidence-based practices, Youth Diversion raises awareness on critical issues impacting today’s youth, including online safety, sharing and distributing intimate images of self or others, excessive gaming, and peer conflict. Our programs equip young people with essential life skills that promote positive decision-making, self-respect, and responsibility while encouraging healthy relationships and community engagement.

 

 

Comprehensive Support for Lasting Change

Youth Diversion offers a full spectrum of programs designed to support youth development and intervention. Our programs focus on empowering young people to take accountability for their actions while addressing the underlying factors that contribute to at-risk behaviors.

Key Program Elements:

  • Individual assessments and personalized case plans
  • Family support and engagement
  • Structured programming with supervision
  • Skill-building sessions that promote responsibility, problem-solving, and resilience

 

Our programs serve youth ages 6–26 and require full participation, including attendance at all sessions, active engagement, completion of assignments, and pre- and post-program evaluations. For youth referred through police or the courts, failure to complete programming as required may result in their file being returned for further enforcement.

At Youth Diversion, we are committed to creating opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive and empowering environment. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community.

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Map showing directions to the Youth Diversion office parking lots

FAQ

What ages does Youth Diversion serve?

Youth Diversion supports children, youth and young adults, ages 6 - 26. Some supports are designed for specific age groups, while others can be adapted based on individual needs. If you are unsure whether someone is eligible, contact us or submit a referral and our team can help determine the appropriate next step.

What happens after I submit a referral?

A member of the Youth Diversion team will review the referral and connect with the client and/or caregiver to learn more about their needs. From there, we determine the most appropriate support, program, or service plan.

Is Youth Diversion only for young people involved with police or the justice system?

No. Youth Diversion provides both youth justice services and prevention/early-intervention supports. Clients may be referred by families, schools, community partners, healthcare professionals, police, or other sources depending on the service.

Who can make a referral to Youth Diversion?

Referrals may come from parents and caregivers, schools, police, community partners, healthcare professionals, or through self-referral, depending on the service.

Do I need to know which program to refer someone to?

No. You are referring to Youth Diversion, not selecting a program yourself. Our team will help identify the most appropriate support based on the individual's needs, strengths, circumstances and goals.

Does Youth Diversion offer presentations and workshops?

Yes. We offer presentations and workshops for schools, children and youth, parents and caregivers, professionals, organizations and community groups. Topics include digital safety, bullying, substance awareness, financial literacy, professionalism and customized topics.