CHOOSE 180 FAQ

What types of charges can be diverted to CHOOSE 180 and Restorative Community Pathways? Are there charges that are ineligible for diversion?

Youth and young adults accused of a first-time felony or misdemeanor offense are eligible for pre-filing diversion in accordance with Washington state law and prosecutorial discretion. Any offense that involves extreme bodily harm or sexual motivation is not eligible.

Are you giving young people a free pass to commit crimes through court diversion?

Nope. Our Court Diversion program works because we work with young people on accountability, goal setting, and more. We support them in addressing possible root causes of challenges and provide resources and tools to help them thrive and heal. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the recidivism rate for people who successfully complete CHOOSE 180 workshops is about half the rate of those who go through mainstream prosecution.

Are programs court ordered or voluntary?

All of our programs are voluntary. Lasting behavior change is a voluntary process, a person has to want that for themselves. People can’t be forced to change.

Why doesn’t CHOOSE 180 offer the school-based diversion programs in all middle and high schools in Highline and Seattle public schools?

Short answer: staffing and funding. 

Longer answer: School-Based Diversion (SBD) is a 7-week program that takes place in schools, serving roughly 60 participants per year. Our team meets with students, learns their situation, works with them on goals and communication, and more. They work together to address root causes of possible challenges and work toward higher school engagement. We currently have four full-time SBD Coordinators, which is not enough to support every school. We also partner with schools to provide the program, which involves grant funding that not every school is able to provide at this time.

How do I join a program or refer someone else to a program? And who is eligible?

You can complete the Community Referral Form. If you’re referring someone else, please let them know before filling out the form. Our team will get in contact as soon as they’re able.

We serve youth and young adults ages 12-24 in King County and surrounding areas in WA.

Is CHOOSE 180’s court diversion program only available in King County?

As of 2025, CHOOSE 180’s court diversion program is offered only in King County, WA. Other counties and states may offer court-led and community-led diversion services that could be offered to young people in those areas.

How is the organization funded? Can I support?

We’re funded through a combination of government contracts, foundation grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships. 

To support CHOOSE 180, give here. If you’re interested in other ways of supporting such as sponsorships, in-kind donations, hosting a happy hour, etc., please email engagement@choose180.org to reach our Community Engagement team.

Are there any costs associated with your programs for youth or young adults who are interested in your programs?

There is no cost to program participants, even for our counseling services.

How do other organizations get involved with CHOOSE 180? What if I hear of a partnership or funding opportunity to share with the organization?

If your organization would like to partner with us or you have a great connection, please email engagement@choose180.org to reach our community engagement team.

What happens after a young person completes a program? 

Participants are able to receive ongoing support through our Aftercare program that focuses on long-term success. 

How is CHOOSE Freedom different from Court Diversion? 

CHOOSE Freedom is a 14-week cohort designed for youth impacted by violence or incarceration. It's not tied to court referrals.

How does CHOOSE 180 define accountability and healing? 

Accountability means owning your impact and making steps towards repairing. Healing means addressing the root causes of harm so young people can grow beyond it. We support and focus on both.