Juvenile Diversion Triumphs - In a Different Form

• NCJ Number: 96856
• Journal: Prosecutor Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1984) Pages: 7-11
• Author(s): S L Swart
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Revised version of a paper presented at the Annual Convention of the American Correctional Association, Chicago, Illinois, August 10, 1983.

Annotation

The author traces the origins and current status of juvenile diversion, demonstrating how many contemporary programs differ from the concepts first advocated in the 1960's.

Abstract

The diversionary practices found in the Fourth Circuit Court of Florida, where diversion is now the standard means of processing criminal charges against youth, are then examined in detail and evaluated against the desired goals of both the early reformers and of the established justice system. The author concludes that pretrial diversion, as practiced in this particular court, has partially met the objectives of the early reformers while also improving the existing justice system. He closes with the observation that this diversion system could serve as a model for other jurisdictions during an era of shrinking resources. A total of 15 notes and 40 references are given. (Author abstract modified)