As with other criminal cases, the repondent has the right to proceed to trial. Often times the respondent will plead guilty prior to trial. Depending on the charge/charges, the respondent could either go to an institution for juvenile offenders to serve time or may choose to participate in SSODA.

SSODA (Special Sex Offender Disposition Alternative) is an outpatient treatment program for juvenile sex offenders. The offender is evaluated by an outside provider to assess whether he/she would be a good candidate for the program and to determine risk to the community. The evaluator then makes a recommendation and forwards a report to probation. Upon reviewing the evaluation, probation will staff the case and make a recommendation to the judge. After hearing this, a judge makes the final decision. Failure to successfully participate in treatment and recommendations can result in the sentence being revoked. In this case, any time that was suspended, will be served. Review hearings are held several times throughout treatment to assess how the offender is doing and report to the judge.If community based treatment is deemed appropriate, the offender will receive a suspended sentence.

If the juvenile offender does not choose or does not qualify for the SSODA program, treatment is available while the juvenile is incarcerated.