(Madison) Outagamie County’s Clean Break Juvenile Diversion Program will receive a Wisconsin Cares About Kids Award on May 17, 2005. The program is being recognized for its success in providing a positive alternative to the formal juvenile justice system process.

The award, sponsored by Governor Jim Doyle and the State Public Defender’s Office, formally recognizes extraordinary efforts in working with children. The ceremony will be held at 6:00 pm on May 17, 2005 at the Darboy Club in Darboy, Wisconsin. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the program’s annual graduation program. Deputy State Public Defender Kelli Thompson and Public Defender Board Member Joseph Morales are scheduled to present the award.

The Clean Break Juvenile Diversion Program is a five-month program with a successful track record. Started in 1993 as a pilot program, it consists of a number of components including a group community service project; a mentoring relationship; a prison visitation program; and Tae Kwon Do sessions focusing on self-esteem and self-discipline.

The program’s goal is for the participants to be successful members of the community. The entire 2004 graduation class has remained in school and the parents of this class reported a notable increase in the kid’s self-control. Over the long-term, almost 73% of those that graduated since 2000 have not re-offended.

“The Clean Break Juvenile Diversion Program is a great asset for Outagamie County residents. The fact that it has produced very positive results using a cooperative approach with county staff and community organizations and volunteers is inspiring,” noted Public Defender Board Chair Dan Berkos.

State Public Defender Nicholas L. Chiarkas added, “Wisconsin gains from the efforts of Wisconsin Cares About Kids Award winners. Recipients such as the Clean Break Juvenile Diversion Program help to create opportunities for our children to make better choices, thereby setting the kids on track to be productive members of our communities.”

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