Court Diversion

invest in young people, not prisons

CHOOSE 180 partners with the City of Seattle Prosecuting Attorney’s office to offer young people an alternative to prosecution.

Instead, they can attend a workshop, led by community members with similar lived experience, and commit to positive change in their lives. They work through a curriculum developed by our team, called a Compass journal. When they complete the workshop, the alleged offense that led to their referral is either dropped before the file is charged so that the participants avoid having a criminal record, or their charge is dismissed after it is filed (depending on where the young person is in the legal process).

After the workshop, the young person also has the opportunity to connect with any other CHOOSE 180 programs that would be supportive to them, such as, but not limited to, Aftercare and Counseling.

During the pandemic, we pivoted to a virtual model for the safety of the participants, volunteers, and staff. Although we miss gathering together, the virtual model provides one-on-one support for each young person.

Participants and CHOOSE 180 team members work through the same curriculum and exercises as the in-person workshops:

  • CHOOSE 180 receives a referral from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office or a community member and engages with the young person.

  • They work through the Compass curriculum 1:1

  • After the workshop, the charge is dropped or dismissed and young people are connected to other positive, supportive resources and programs (internally through CHOOSE 180 or externally through a community partner)

  • Aftercare is available for any program participant (food/rent assistance, counseling services, connection to resources, etc.) and they can be connected with other CHOOSE 180 programs that benefit them as well

For community referrals (not referred through King County or city offices), participation in our workshop or program will not automatically result in dropped or dismissed charges. However, our team is happy to support and advocate for young people to have the best outcome possible while they navigate the legal system. All community referrals also have access to other CHOOSE 180 programs that they are eligible for. 

Eligibility: Young people are referred to CHOOSE 180 through our partnership with the City of Seattle Prosecuting Attorney’s Office or community members.

How to sign up: If you’re interested in referring a young person or getting involved, please fill out the Community Referral Form. A member of our team will reach out to you within a week.