Youth diversion programs offer a critical alternative to traditional court processing by redirecting young juvenile offenders (containing Class C misdemeanors) toward rehabilitative resources rather than punitive outcomes, including a charge that will stick with the individual for life. However, the availability and effectiveness of such programs vary drastically depending on geographic location, leading to unequal justice outcomes for teens based solely on zip code. This policy brief proposes a federally standardized diversion model that guarantees the universal access and automatic record clearing upon program completion for youth nationwide. By integrating emerging technologies like AI to preliminarily assess individual risk factors and connect youth to relevant services, regardless of race, income, or school status, this initiative aims to create a fair, efficient, and restorative juvenile justice system throughout the United States.

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December 13, 2025