Relating to youth.

New rules for youth diversion services

The Oregon Youth Authority and county juvenile departments must plan community services as alternatives to youth correction facilities. County plans must explain needed services, how to run them if funded, and procedures for hearings officers and preliminary parole revocation hearings. The Authority must coordinate diversion and basic crime prevention services, which can include detention. It must consult counties and the Youth Development Division on rules aligning these plans with high-risk crime prevention plans. The Authority may contract with individual counties or groups of counties, using subcontracts or state-provided services. Contracts must provide access to out-of-home options, including youth correction facilities and substitute care. The Authority oversees contract and subcontract finances; these funds cannot replace other county money for youth services. State-county agreements must assign duties and consider safety, fair services, location, staffing, and funding. Agreements may also allow the state and counties to handle or transfer probation and parole services. The Authority must consult county juvenile departments on rules ensuring fair placement access among contracting counties and measures tracking diversion plans.