Prosecution Alternatives
for Youth (PAY) of Brevard

Prosecution Alternatives for Youth is a juvenile diversion program which offers an informal alternative to prosecution through the formal Juvenile Justice System.

P.A.Y. is designed to provide early intervention and rehabilitation for juveniles. Participation in the P.A.Y. Program is a privilege. Youth successfully completing the program will have their charges dropped, however, youth failing to complete assigned sanctions will have their case returned to the Court for formal prosecution.

The P.A.Y. of Brevard Program meets several needs of the community. These include:

Emphasizing the juvenile's awareness of his/her responsibility to obey the laws of society and to offer education and counseling needed to achieve accountability.

Providing early intervention and rehabilitation for juveniles to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency.

Reducing the court caseload by removing cases for intervention, rehabilitation, and prevention of recidivism.

Providing an effective option to formal prosecution with effective sanctions and services tailored to the conduct and needs of the juvenile.

Juvenile Diversion Programs within the PAY Division include...

Community Arbitration Program

This program involves misdemeanant offenders with service needs and first time third degree felony offenders with minimal service needs. Cases are heard by trained community volunteer Arbitrators. Appropriate sanctions are assigned based upon needs and offense.

Teen Court

Teen Court is a program run by teens for teens. Teen offenders between the ages of 10 and 17, who have committed a misdemeanor crime and have identifiable service needs, have their cases heard and decided by a jury of their peers. Teens perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiff, clerk, and jury.

Peer Court

This program is for first time offenders with no identifiable service needs. A panel of teens interrogates the defendants and assigns appropriate sanctions. Sanctions and services are assigned as appropriate to meet each participants' needs. Sanctions and services include, but are not limited to:

• Counseling
• Law Information Class
• Random Drug / Alcohol Testing
• Various Home Studies
• Community Service Work
• Apology Letter
• Essay
• Restitution
• Fire Safety Class
• AA/NA Meetings

PAY Brochure

2012 PAY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
JOHN L. SAUTER

Pictured left to right: Darrin Adams, John Sauter and Norm Wolfinger