(1) The district attorney, upon recommendation of the county department or any person, may withhold filing a case against any person accused or suspected of child abuse or neglect and refer that person to a nonjudicial source of treatment or assistance, upon conditions set forth by the county department and the district attorney. If a person is so diverted from the criminal justice system, the district attorney shall not file charges in connection with the case if the person participates to the satisfaction of the county department and the district attorney in the diversion program offered.
(2) The initial diversion shall be for a period not to exceed two years. This diversion period may be extended for one additional one-year period by the district attorney if necessary. Decisions regarding extending diversion time periods shall be made following review of the person diverted by the district attorney and the county department.
(3) If the person diverted successfully completes the diversion program to the satisfaction of the county department and the district attorney, he shall be released from the terms and conditions of the program, and no criminal filing for the case shall be made against him.
(4) Participation by a person accused or suspected of child abuse in any diversion program shall be voluntary.