NCJ Number
114700
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses the process of diversion from juvenile justice, providing an overview of the essential elements in the development, operation, and evaluation of diversion programs.
Abstract
Descriptions are provided of two early police diversion programs developed in Michigan and New Jersey in the 1930's and three later 1970's programs that attempted to provide youth with a comprehensive range of services. While labeling theory, which holds that societal reactions to youth involved in the juvenile justice system facilitates additional deviance, contributed to the emphasis on diversion; sociologists have argued that most diversion programs are, in fact, a part of the juvenile justice system and that youth who are referred rather than released become stigmatized and labeled. Critics also charge that diversion programs have resulted in net-widening, with juveniles being referred who otherwise would have been released. Social workers and criminal justice professionals argue that diversion is necessary for system operation and may prevent both status offenders and delinquents from further offending -- a contention supported by evaluative research. Because troubled youth often need such services as employment and family counseling, academic remediation, and substance abuse treatment, diversion is likely to continue to thrive throughout the 1980's and 1990's. 7 discussion questions and 65 references. (Author abstract modified)