Officials plan to start juvenile diversion

By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township officials said they plan to launch a juvenile-diversion program here by Sept. 1.
The township would become the sixth community in Mahoning County to operate a program aimed at handling juvenile offenders through the criminal justice system.
Township Police Chief Matthew Mohn said earlier this week that initiating the program fulfills a promise made to voters when he campaigned for the 1-mill police levy that passed in November. The department would run the program.
Trustees unanimously agreed to contract with consultant Lucinda Caparso, who will help get the program started. Caparso works with Poland Township's juvenile-diversion program. She will be paid $17.50 per hour for up to 200 hours of work. They didn't know where she was from or what her educational background is. Mohn said that by the end of the summer, the township should be ready to hire a part-time caseworker to run its program.
Mohn said that parents would have to agree to the terms of the program before a child is accepted into it. The Springfield Local School District would also be involved. Such programs generally try to keep youths out of the juvenile court system by working with families of youths with high-risk behaviors who could, for example, be assigned community service, ordered to make restitution and be required to set goals.
Poland Township's program accepts youths who are unruly, have behavioral problems, are truant, or are first-time misdemeanor offenders, as well as selected lesser-felony offenders. Juvenile-diversion programs also exist in Boardman, Struthers, Beaver Township and Canfield.
Other action
Trustees also handled these matters:
Authorized Road Superintendent Rich Kennedy to upgrade Brungard Road, including the installation of a surface similar to tar and chip. The road surface is now gravel.
Agreed to ask for a legal opinion on changing township policy prohibiting sidewalks in developments after Kennedy said he thinks sidewalks are an asset to the community and promote safety. Kennedy said that if sidewalks are allowed, the township should not assume liability for maintenance.
Donated an old recycling shed to Angel Food Ministry where it will be used for recycling, storage and equipment. The ministry, operated out of the Church of God in New Springfield, provides a month's supply of food to the poor for a small donation.
Noted that no action has been taken on entering in a joint fire district with several other communities. Trustees attended an informational meeting on the subject this week.
Recognized Robert Beal's Boy Scout Troop, which has installed signs around the township which state, "This is your land. Please don't litter."