Establishes juvenile pretrial diversion courts and predetention diversion programs for first-time, nonviolent offenders.

This bill creates special juvenile pretrial diversion courts within South Carolina's family courts to handle first-time, nonviolent offenders. These courts aim to divert eligible children from the juvenile justice system using evidence-based, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed approaches. The Department of Juvenile Justice will establish predetention diversion programs in each judicial circuit, funded by the department and adhering to its standards. These programs may include educational, mentoring, mental health, and behavioral health services.

Establishes juvenile pretrial diversion courts and predetention diversion programs for first-time, nonviolent offenders.

This bill creates special juvenile pretrial diversion courts within South Carolina's family courts to handle first-time, nonviolent offenders. These courts aim to divert eligible children from the juvenile justice system using evidence-based, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed approaches. The Department of Juvenile Justice will establish predetention diversion programs in each judicial circuit, funded by the department and adhering to its standards. These programs may include educational, mentoring, mental health, and behavioral health services.