What is the First Offender Program? 

-The First Offender Intervention Program is best described as a juvenile diversionary program. The intent of the program is to “divert” a juvenile away from further penetration into the juvenile justice system. 

-The First Offenders Brief Intervention Program (FOBI) is designed to be a coordinated effort between the service provider and the juvenile intake system.   Research with First Offender Programs has shown that diversion programs have very high success rates.  

-The program operates in a community youth group format such as an after school program or evening program. 
The program is designed for youth, ages 9 to 15, and their parents or grandparents.  The program can meet at a treatment facility, a recreational facility, a church or a school.  The program includes interactive group activities, games, and small group discussions.  The program requires (7) two-hour sessions on successive weeks.  

-Some jurisdictions have extended the model to as many as 12 weeks without affecting client participation in a significant way.  At this point there is no evidence that 12 weeks is better than 7 weeks in affecting recidivism.  However, the advocates of the longer program like the opportunity to have more contacts with families and youth and cover more subjects. 

-Individual sessions may be scheduled with a parent and juvenile to resolve difficulties or make individual referrals to other types of services.   

-The First Offender Brief Intervention Model has many practical applications and can be used with a variety of youth programs.  Substance abuse focus groups, suicide, youth violence, court mandated tutoring, suspended-from-school, community service, and family life education groups can all use the First Offender Brief Intervention Model presented in these materials. 

-Brief Interventions build resiliency and facilitate recovery for at risk juveniles and their family before residential care or inpatient treatment are the only viable options.   The First Offender Brief Intervention Model has the added benefit of screening for substance abuse and mental illness issues as a part of the program.  This allows the staff to identify and respond to emerging needs.