NCJ Number
239505
Date Published
July 2012
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from an evaluation of "Triage" schemes in the United Kingdom, which are based in police stations for the purpose of diverting youth who have committed less serious crimes into restorative justice schemes, so as to avoid the adverse effects of formal processing.
Abstract
Researchers found that the combination of poor data and no matched control group meant that the impact of Triage on reoffending rates could not be determined. Local monitoring data on follow-up and potential indicators of outcome on reoffending for Triage participants were sparse and of poor quality; and a significant amount of data were missing. There is clearly a need to collect data on the progress of youth who participate in the Triage schemes. Once the impact of the schemes can be determined, a cost-benefit analysis should establish the future role of the Triage schemes as a means of reducing reoffending and diverting youth from the formal youth justice system. Triage schemes varied significantly across jurisdictions as they were tailored to local needs; however, most focused on the diversion of first-time offenders from the youth justice system. The schemes were highly valued by many working in youth justice. Stakeholders believed that the schemes worked best when there was a strong existing partnership between the police and the Youth Offending Service, as well as when there was a shared strategic goal of diverting youth who committed low-level offenses away from the youth justice system and to support vulnerable youth. Custody officers' support is viewed as crucial. Training custody staff about the importance of Triage and giving feedback about the youth referred was important in keeping custody staff engaged with the schemes. 11 references and appended descriptions of youth justice interventions and severity scores used for various offenses