KCYDI
King County Youth Diversion and Intervention Program
If Your Child Had a Run-In With Police, We Can Help
Finding out your child has been referred to the prosecutor’s office is scary. You may be worried about their future, their record, and what comes next.
The King County Youth Diversion and Intervention program (KCYDI) exists for exactly this moment. If your family agrees to participate in the program, we work with your family to get your child the support they actually need and help them move forward.
What Is KCYDI?
KCYDI is a King County program for young people under 18 who have been referred by law enforcement to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for an alleged misdemeanor. Rather than pursuing formal prosecution, the program connects youth and their families with community-based support, resources, and when appropriate, a process to repair harm and restore relationships.
Participating in KCYDI is an alternative to formal prosecution. It means your case will not be prosecuted, it will not appear on your record, and you will not have to engage with the court for this alleged offense.
What Happens After a Referral?
Here’s what the process looks like for most families:
Youth is referred to KCYDI
Law enforcement refers a young person under 18 to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for an alleged misdemeanor. Instead of moving forward with formal charges, the case is referred to KCYDI.
Referral coordinator gathers information
A referral coordinator reviews the case and reaches out to the youth, their family, and community partners. This step ensures the right support is in place before moving forward.
Community navigator connects with youth
A dedicated community navigator meets with your child and family. They listen to your situation, explain what is available, and work with you to build a plan that fits your needs – not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Support and accountability
Your navigator connects your child and family to wraparound services based on what is most needed. Services are culturally responsive and flexible in length.
School support
Job readiness
Basic needs
Healing activities
Accountability circles
Weekly connection
Your navigator checks in regularly to see how things are going, adjust the plan as needed, and make sure your child stays on track toward their goals.
Long-term community connection
When the program wraps up, the relationships and resources don’t disappear. Youth stay connected to community organizations, mentors, and supports that continue to be there as they grow.
What Kind of Support Is Available?
Your navigator can connect your child and family to:
1. Basic needs — help with housing, groceries, and clothing if your family is in a difficult spot
2. Mental health and counseling — trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to address what’s going on beneath the surface
3. School support — re-engagement, school changes, and GED programs
4. Job readiness and employment — vocational training, job skills, and employment placement for older youth
5. Healing-centered activities — art, music, sports, community events, and peer connection through healing circles
6. Substance use support — treatment and recovery services when relevant
Why This Approach?
Research consistently shows that formal punishment (detention, suspension, incarceration) doesn’t reduce the likelihood of future offenses. It tends to deepen trauma and cut young people off from the support they need.
KCYDI is built on restorative justice principles: the idea that when harm happens, the most meaningful response is to understand what caused it, repair what was broken, and support everyone involved including your child, your family, and anyone who was harmed.
This isn’t about excusing what happened. It’s about giving young people a real path forward.
Community Partners
Common Questions
Will this go on my child’s record?
The goal of diversion is to avoid formal charges. Participation in KCYDI is not a criminal conviction or an admission of guilt. If you have specific questions about your child’s situation, your navigator can help clarify what applies.
Do we have to participate?
Participation is your family’s choice. However, if your child declines to participate, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office may move forward with formal charges. Most families find that KCYDI offers a much better path but we want you to have the full picture so you can make an informed decision.
What if my child has needs that aren’t listed here?
Talk to your navigator. The program is designed to be flexible, and navigators work hard to connect families to whatever is most useful even if it falls outside the standard list.
Who pays for these services?
Services are provided at no cost to your family.
Free Legal Consultation
If you have questions about this incident or participating in KCYDI, you are entitled to free legal consultation through the King County Department of Public Defense at (206) 205-5998.
Get in Touch
Claudia Pineda Reyes
Community Diversion Referral Manager
(425) 414-1740
clpinedareyes@kingcounty.gov