Is parental consent necessary for a juvenile to join a diversion program?

The necessity of parental consent for a juvenile to join a diversion program is generally a requirement, which makes the answer that indicates it is usually required correct. Diversion programs are designed to provide alternatives to formal processing through the juvenile justice system, and these programs often include components that involve the family in the rehabilitation process. Involving parents can help in ensuring that the juvenile receives the necessary support and guidance as they work through the program.

In many jurisdictions, parental consent is required not only to respect the authority and responsibility parents hold for their children but also to promote cooperative efforts between the juvenile and their family. This aligns with the goal of diversion programs, which is to prevent further delinquent behavior by addressing underlying issues often found within the family dynamic.

The other options suggest scenarios where consent might not be necessary, whether it's based on the kind of crime or the age of the juvenile. However, these situations typically do not reflect the general practice of requiring parental involvement for the success of diversion programs.