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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Three agencies are teaming up to cut down on youth crime in the Midlands.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, 5th Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson and Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott announced the Sheriff's diversionary program will be expanded county wide Wednesday.  Currently, the program is available only in schools.

Sheriff Leon Lott says the overall intent of the program is to restore safety within the school and prevent at-risk students from entering the justice system.

"All of us make mistakes.  We have to help our young people learn from those mistakes and give them that opportunity.  The Youth Arbitration Program is going to do that," said Lott.

Teens who commit non-violent crimes are eligible to go through the program, which they can complete without having to go through the juvenile court system.

15-year-old Julian Maxim completed the 90-day program March 13th.  He got in trouble for vandalizing his high school.

"If I didn't get the second chance, I'd have gone through family court," said Maxim.  "I'd have to had gone through getting arrested and having this on my record."

Solicitor Johnson says the program will be available county wide July 1.  It is funded through the Department of Juvenile Justice and all diversionary counselors are volunteers.