Repeat misdemeanor cases, some felony cases, and cases involving children in need of services (counseling, drug assessment, etc.) can be referred to J.A.S.P. if the juvenile accepts responsibility for the charged offense (guilty or no contest). A hearing is conducted by a Prosecution Alternatives for Youth (P.A.Y.) services Arbitrator/Hearing Officer and sanctions are issued.

The juvenile is given a specific amount of time to complete all sanctions. His/her progress is monitored by the P.A.Y. staff. When all sanctions are completed, the State Attorney is notified and the charges are dropped.

If the juvenile does not complete the sanctions(s) as assigned, the case is returned to the State Attorney for prosecution.