MS HB564

Renames the Division of Youth Services' Adolescent Opportunity Programs (AOPs) to Juvenile Justice Diversion Programs (JJDPs) effective July 1, 2026

Requires JJDPs to offer alternatives to detention during after-school and weekend hours, including job readiness training, curfew and house arrest monitoring, community service, restitution, and restorative justice practices

Subject to legislative appropriations, JJDPs may operate as both pre-petition diversion (before formal charges) and post-adjudication diversion (after court ruling) to divert juveniles from detention

Division of Youth Services oversees pre-petition placements and services, while youth courts in consultation with the Division oversee post-adjudication placements

Extends probable cause hearing protections for arrest warrants to counselors at the renamed juvenile justice diversion programs when alleged criminal acts occur during official duties