NCJ Number
100978
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1984) Pages: 175-181
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The described community-based juvenile diversion program features data collection that permits evaluation and accountability as well as liaison with justice personnel, service agencies, and the community.
Abstract
The Memphis-Metro Youth Diversion Project (Tennessee) is limited to youths who would otherwise be adjudicated delinquent and, at a minimum, placed under probationary supervision. Program goals include reducing the number of adjudicated juveniles, expanding community services to diverted youth, reducing recidivism among diverted youth, and concentrating court resources on serious juvenile offenders. A citizen advisory committee and youth-serving community agencies have been involved throughout the project. To facilitate effective program evaluation, referrals were anonymously matched with a computer-generated random assignment log. The three randomized groups were composed of juveniles diverted with services, those diverted without services, and those processed normally. Juveniles receiving services were administered an individualized needs assessment followed by the development of a service plan to be coordinated by a nonjustice, community-based agency. The project monitors and evaluates the services delivered. 5 references.