A person under 16 years of age who engages in conduct in violation of subdivision 656(a)(1) of this title commits a delinquent act and shall be subject to 33 V.S.A. chapter 52. The person shall be provided the opportunity to participate in the Court Diversion Program unless the prosecutor states on the record why a referral to the Court Diversion Program would not serve the ends of justice.
7 V.S.A. § 657a