What is a Stationhouse Adjustment
A tool for Officers to use to divert first-time offenders who have committed minor offenses from formal court proceedings
Who is eligible for a Stationhouse adjustment?
Any Youth who has been arrested or violated a school policy
Ordinance violation
Petty disorderly person offense
Disorderly person offense
Fourth degree offenses may also be considered if the juvenile has no prior record
Why conduct a Stationhouse Adjustment?
Best interest of everyone involved
Victims are better served
Matter resolved locally
Opportunity to get to the root of the problem
Give wayward youths an opportunity to understand the seriousness of youth behaviors
Immediate consequence
Equal administration of Justice
Reoffending gets slimmer
Stationhouse Adjustment in a School
New Jersey’s Station House Adjustment (SHA) program is a helpful school-based option that gives first-time students who make minor mistakes—like tardiness, classroom disruption, or other low-level school rule violations—a chance to make things right without formal discipline. Instead, they complete straightforward steps like community service, restitution, or mediation.
The goal is to guide students toward better choices and keep them from getting deeper into the school discipline process, while also finding a fair resolution for everyone involved.
How It Works
What Happens Right Away: Your child is referred to the school or local police station, where an officer or school representative explains the situation and assigns a fair consequence such as community service, restitution, or another constructive task.
You’ll Be Involved: A parent or legal guardian will be contacted and asked to attend the SHA meeting. You may also help shape the agreement.
A Simple Agreement: You and your child will sign an agreement that outlines what your child needs to do. Completing these steps means formal charges won’t be filed.
Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC): In some towns, your child may meet with a JCC—a supportive group of volunteers focused on helping young people—who can suggest additional helpful steps if needed.
The Victim Has a Say: The person affected by the incident is notified and must agree to the SHA. If they don’t agree, the process can’t move forward.
Who Can Participate?
This program is usually for minor school-related issues like tardiness, skipping class, classroom disruption, school rule violations, or other low-level behavior concerns on campus.
It’s typically available to first-time students, though some programs may include students with a second or third minor school-related incident.
For more serious incidents, school administrators and the county prosecutor will decide whether the program is an option.
Why It Helps
Encourages Better Choices: SHA helps students make better decisions by giving them immediate, meaningful consequences that support learning and positive behavior at school.
Keeps Kids Out of Court: The program avoids formal court proceedings, so your child won’t carry the long-term weight of a delinquency record.
Real Results: Surveys show that most parents see improved behavior in their children after completing SHA.
A Team Effort: The program brings together school staff, police, chaplains, and social services to make sure your child gets consistent, caring support.
The Station House Adjustment Program is a school-based, supportive approach that helps students get back on track. By setting clear expectations and bringing together parents, school staff, and local resources, SHA gives first-time students a chance to learn from their mistakes, avoid a formal record, and build a stronger path forward.
Amanda Karpew
908-835-1800 ext. 10