(Stop Texting Obscene Pictures)

The STOP diversion program is designed to identify the behaviors and circumstances that led to the youth’s involvement in sexting-related activities and to change those behaviors or circumstances.

If a youth is arrested with a sexting -related offense, the youth will be screened to determine if the youth will be approved for the STOP diversion program. If the youth is not approved, it may be because the sexting is malicious in nature, he/she has already been through the program, or he/she has been through the juvenile justice system and has already demonstrated an inability to comply with such programs.

If the youth is approved for the STOP diversion program, he/she will have to:
• Admit to the behavior that lead the youth to be charged
• Turn over any electronic devices used by the youth examination & forfeit any device that contains child pornography
• Meet with assigned Diversion Officer
• Agree to comply with all rules set forth by the Diversion Officer, which include turning over user names and passwords to all social media accounts, not using or accessing social media while in the STOP diversion program and not using any cell phones or internet ( with some exceptions) while in STOP
• Attend all required hours of STOP educational classes
• Complete community service hours
• Complete all STOP diversion program requirements within 120 days

Parents/ guardians attendance will be required for some portions of the program. Parents / guardians will be required to make sure that the youth attends all programming and that the STOP diversion rules are followed at home.

If a youth successfully completes the STOP diversion program, all charges will be DISMISSED and EXPUNGED and no additional court orders will be made. If a youth is not approved for the STOP diversion program or does not successfully complete the STOP diversion program requirements, the youth’s case will be prosecuted through the regular court process. If the court determines the youth committed these types of acts, potential consequences could include, but are not limited to, probation, time in the detention center or placement in the Department of Youth Services until your child turns 21. Additionally, in certain circumstances, your child may end up classified as a sex offender.