Juvenile Services

Intake

The Probation Department's Intake unit reviews and evaluates reports referred to them by law enforcement agencies. The Intake Officer may choose from several options including 1) dismiss the matter before or at the citation hearing, 2) admonish the minor and then dismiss the charges, 3) release the minor with credit for any time served in Juvenile Hall, 4) hold the matter in abeyance and refer the minor to a diversion program, 5) place the minor on informal probation, 6) place the minor in an Early Intervention Program or 7) refer the matter to the District Attorney's office for filing of criminal charges.

If the minor is referred for diversion, a number of options and community based organizations are available to assist in ensuring that the minor complies with the specific case requirements, including mental health or substance abuse counseling, payment of restitution, and completion of community service hours. A description of several diversion programs utilized by the Sonoma County Probation Department and an explanation of informal probation and the early intervention program can be viewed by accessing Diversion Services.