Diversion Services
An Exit Before the System Takes Hold.
Dunamis Diversion provides structured, supported alternatives to formal court processing for justice-involved youth aged 15–24 — addressing root causes, building accountability, and keeping young people out of the pipeline.
Who We Serve
Youth at Every Point of the System.
We work with young people at multiple points of system contact — from first-time diversion referrals to those returning from placement. Our services are designed to meet each young person where they are.
First-time offenders
Young people referred by courts or prosecutors as an alternative to formal prosecution.
Repeat system-involved youth
Young people with prior system contact who need structured, sustained support to break the cycle.
Foster care youth
Young people in or aging out of the foster care system who are at elevated risk of justice involvement. In Minnesota, foster care youth are involved in the juvenile justice system at three times the rate of the general youth population.
At-risk youth
Young people identified by schools, community organisations, or families as at elevated risk.
Our Approach
Exit at Entry: The Plan Starts on Day One.
The moment a young person is referred to Dunamis Diversion, we begin building their reentry plan. Not when they are about to leave — from the very first day.
This means that every assessment, every goal-setting conversation, every connection to housing, education, employment, and family support is oriented toward one question: what does a stable, self-directed life look like for this young person — and how do we build it?
Diversion is not just about keeping youth out of the system. It is about giving them something better to step into.
Referral & Intake
A referral is received from a court, school, community partner, or family member. We make contact within 48 hours.
Assessment
A comprehensive, strengths-based assessment covers housing, education, employment, family, mental health, and immediate needs.
Reentry Planning
We build the individual service plan — including the reentry plan — from day one, not at the end of the programme.
Active Support
The young person is connected to services, supported through the six-stage model, and checked in with regularly throughout the journey.
Make a Referral
Refer a Young Person.
Referrals are accepted from courts, schools, community organisations, families, and self-referrals. If you are unsure whether a young person is eligible, reach out — we would rather have a conversation than miss an opportunity to help.
Who can refer
- Courts & probation officers
- Schools & educators
- Community organisations
- Families & caregivers
- Self-referrals
- Child welfare workers
Prefer to talk first? Contact us directly.
Make a Referral
Fill in the form below and we will be in touch within 48 hours.
Want to learn more about our model?
See how our six-stage, 18–24 month journey supports young people from entry to independence.