Council panel approves juvenile diversion ordinance with quarterly reporting requirement

The Cleveland City Council safety committee on Sept. (date not specified) approved Ordinance 906-2026 with an amendment requiring quarterly reports on the operation of the city’s PASS juvenile diversion pilot to be provided to the clerk and distributed to council members.

Councilman Star offered the amendment to add a reporting requirement to section three so "the director of community relations will provide quarterly report and assessment regarding ordinance number 9006 2026"; the amendment was accepted and the ordinance was approved as amended after a roll call. Councilman Star moved the change and Councilman Slife seconded the motion.

The substance of the underlying debate centered on program eligibility and parental consent. Councilwoman Nikki Hudson asked whether officers may exercise discretion to drive a youth home without filing charges; the director said that officers must follow law and agency policy and that, when eligible, officers may refer juveniles to the PASS program rather than processing them into the juvenile facility. As the director put it, "This program, the PASS program, give gives them the opportunity... officers... to refer the child to this program if they're eligible for the program." (Director (Drummond)).

Members expressed concern that youths who lack parental support are often the ones most at risk but may be excluded because parental consent is required. Councilman Star said the council should discuss with the state legislature and courts whether statutory changes or court-appointed guardianships can allow willing youths to participate without guardian consent.

The committee recorded the amendment and vote and directed staff to incorporate the reporting language into the ordinance. No specific follow-up deadline beyond quarterly reporting language was set in the committee hearing.