Juvenile Justice in Nebraska
When an underage person “breaks the law,” Nebraska handles these cases differently. You may hear a judge or lawyer refer to these types of cases as “status offenses” or 3b cases. What they are referring to is the part of law the law that handles juveniles. Rather than seeking a conviction in a trail, a trial-type process called an adjudication allows a judge to manage the case. There are no juries in Nebraska for juvenile cases.
The following publications were designed to help answer questions for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
- Guide for Youth What Now? A Guide for Kids in Nebraska's Juvenile Court System. This booklet is designed for older juveniles and teens that are justice system involved. (nebraska.gov)
- This Quick Guide helps probation officers prepare for processes guided by Mediation West.
Juvenile Justice Mediation
Services through Mediation West may be ordered by a judge, or referred through Diversion, Probation or an attorney. Click on the green headers below for additional details about the different processes that you may be asked to participate in.
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Typically ordered/referred for juveniles on probation, this process assists Probation in developing a case plan that involves the immediate and extended family, and community support to either:
Avoid an out-of-home placement by creating plans and setting expectations for family/support response to the juvenile’s actions and setting consequences for the juvenile if the plan is not followed.
Assist in the transition home after an out-of-home placement when there are concerns about the youth regressing or losing progress made. Plans are designed for juvenile to continue gains made in the structured environment.
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Seeks to repair the harm that has been caused to victims/community rather than focusing on the law that has been violated. Probationers gain insight into the consequences of their actions in a way that reduces recidivism. Click for more information on how victim conferencing works.
For juveniles on diversion or probation, reparations agreements are usually crafted to be completed in time for a successful release.
MEDIATION: VYC/VDC (Victim Youth Conferencing/Victim Defendant Conferencing)
Seeks to repair the harm that has been caused to victims/community rather than focusing on the law that has been violated. Probationers gain insight into the consequences of their actions in a way that reduces recidivism. For more information on how victim conferencing works, click here.
For juveniles on diversion or probation, reparations agreements are usually crafted to be completed in time for a successful release.
MEDIATION: Other Issues
Youth involved in the juvenile justice system may also be referred to mediation to resolve issues they identify as standing in the way of a youth’s progress, ability to not reoffend, or their successful completion of diversion or probation.
If you have been referred for services and want to check on the status of your case, click here.
