Iron County Trial Court
State of Michigan

2 S. Sixth Street, Suite 10
Crystal Falls, MI  49920-1413
Fax: 906-875-0656

SODA Program

Child & Family Services of the U.P., Inc. has developed a diversion program called SODA. SODA stands for Status Offender Diversion Alternative. Some examples of status offenders are youth who are truant and youth who will not obey the reasonable requests of their parents. There are many other youth who are served by this agency, for instance one who has low self-esteem or one who has a family in crisis. The scope of this program is flexible to assist youth who are at high risk for entering the court system.

Referrals are accepted from anyone who sees a child in need. The referrals can come from family, school, court, police, neighbors, friends, church family, or the youth themselves. When a referral is made, the worker will make contact with all parties involved and will assess whether this case fits the program. The worker will then discuss this with the parents and youth.

If a case is opened, the proper papers are signed and further assessments are made. The youth will complete goals as that there is a plan of service for this case. The worker will monitor the progress the youth is making towards completion of the goals. The worker is a positive motivator to assist the youth in achieving the goals set. It is the youth who mush complete the work in achieving the goals.

Each case is open for up to 90 days. Then after closure there are 90 day and 180 day follow-ups to monitor the progress that the youth is making over time. With full cooperation of all parties, the youth may achieve a successful program and remain out of the courts.

Francesca Economy is the specialist for this program. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Michigan University. She has worked with youth in her internship, so she is highly qualified to assist the youth of Iron County.

The ways that Francesca can work with the youth are through individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, and specialized programming. The individual needs of each client will determine the type of assistance given.

There is no cost to the client or their family for this program. Child & Family Services has secured state and federal grants that pay for the costs of the program. Iron County has seen the need for this program locally and has provided space at the courthouse for the worker. This is an important program to help the youth of Iron County. 

Pleas call 875-4002 for any questions or to make a referral.