Suffolk Peer Diversion Court
Empowering Youth. Restoring Communities. Building Futures.
Program Overview
The Suffolk County Peer Diversion Court offers young people who have committed nonviolent crimes an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, serve their community, and learn character and career building skills.
Every volunteer is trained by Probation to take on the roles in the courtroom. Formal training is conducted, and volunteers are supervised every week so that they understand the benefits of restorative justice and the fundamentals of courtroom procedure. Each offense and case referred to Peer Diversion Court is met with some constructive and meaningful type of sanctions and a learning opportunity for all involved.
Benefits for Volunteers:
- Learn courtroom procedure
- Build public speaking & leadership skills
- Earn community service credit
- Engage with peers across Suffolk County
- Understand restorative justice firsthand
Get Involved
Application Period:
September 12 – October 10
Only the first 50 applicants will be accepted.
Download Application
View Brochure
View Flyer
Contact Us:
Email:
probationpdc@suffolkcountyny.gov
Peer Diversion Court
320 Carleton Avenue, Suite 1700
Central Islip, NY 11722
- Tuesdays: Trial Preparation | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Community & Defense Advocates)
- Thursdays: Trials | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(All courtroom roles required: Judge, Advocates, Bailiff/Clerk, Jury)
Volunteer Training
Next Training Dates:
October 21 & 22 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
H. Lee Dennison Building, Room 184
100 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY
Participant Testimonials:
"Peer Diversion Court helped me learn the order of trials and how both sides work from being the respondent, to being a jury member which was a good learning experience,"
"Peer Diversion Court helped me build a better understanding for not only myself, but for others as well."
"Participating in this program showed me that giving kids a second chance can really turn their life around."
"The hearing helped me understand the communities’ point of view and truly realizing the harm I had done."
"The sanctions I received were fair and helpful in preventing me from future involvement with the criminal justice system."
“Before Peer Diversion Court, I couldn’t speak and in public I was nervous but just doing these speeches and being a part of these trials has really helped me gain my confidence.”