The Menifee County Extension office joined with the KY Court Designated Worker Program (CDWP) for 4 nightly programs for their youth enrolled in their court appointed program.  This isn’t the first time that the Menifee County Extension Office has worked with the KY CDWP.  With Covid 19 restraints the 2022 program was hosted with Zoom.  The Menifee County ANR/4-H agent along with the Menifee County SNAP Assistant partnered together with Area E7 Agents to provide life skill videos.  Area agents choose topics and shot video on Sewing, First Aid, and Interviewing Skills.  The Menifee SNAP Assistant and ANR/4-H agent went to the local grocery store and filmed how to shop for a recipe, smart shopping skills, how to cook a Sheet Pan Meal.  During each evening session the SNAP Assistant taught My Plate, Kitchen Safety, Knife Skills, and healthy lessons.   The CDWP had worksheets that were used along side of the program.  

The Kentucky CDWP is available for a young person that has gotten in trouble, positive intervention can mean the difference between a bright future and one with challenges. In Kentucky, court designated workers process complaints filed against children under age 18 prior to any action taken in formal court. When appropriate, young people are diverted from the formal court system. Those eligible for diversion will not have a formal court record if they successfully complete the supervised program.

The goal of diversion is to reduce further involvement in the court system by providing programs based on education, treatment, and accountability. CDWs follow established criteria to determine if a juvenile is eligible to participate in a diversion agreement or if the case, by law, must be referred to formal court.  The Menifee County Extension Program is honored to work with the KY Court Designated Worker Program.