NCJ Number
99051
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 49 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 4-12
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes and reports evaluation results for a cost-effective California juvenile diversion program that has combined the efforts of law enforcement, probation, and community-based organizations.
Abstract
In March 1982, the Board of Supervisors of Orange County approved the implementation of a new countywide program entitled the Juvenile Diversion/Noncustody Intake Program (JD/NCI). The primary goals are to reduce the number of youths referred to prosecutors and the juvenile court, to provide needed services for juveniles, and to cut costs compared with previous juvenile programs. The JD/NCI provides such services as individual and family counseling, job development and career counseling, crisis intervention, alcohol and drug abuse education, and community intervention. A team approach is used in contrast to the previous fragmentation of police, probation, and community services. Restitution services that focus on victim needs are also included. In evaluating the program, a quasi-experimental design was used to compare service delivery under the new program with service delivery under the former program during a comparable period for the preceding year. Evaluation results indicate that the program has provided direct gains for both victims and offenders and reduced the proportion of cases referred to the district attorney. Moreover, juveniles served by the new program had no higher recidivism rates than youths under the traditional system who committed similar offenses. The cost of services was less. Tabular data and 27 references are provided.