NCJ Number
93304
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Contrary to the belief by many that diversion programs widen the social control net rather than reduce the number of persons penetrating the criminal justice system, this research suggests that diversion does channel youth out of the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Data for the study were taken from the National Evaluation of Diversion Programs (1981). For this particular component of the study, statistics were obtained from official records (police, State, and court statistics). To conduct a flow analysis, the following information was developed: (1) number of youths arrested, (2) number of youths diverted by the police, (3) number of youths referred to the district attorney's office, (4) number of youths diverted from the district attorney's office, (5) number of youths referred to court for adjudication, and (6) disposition of cases heard in court. With this minimum of information, it is possible to draw preliminary conclusions about the extent to which diversion has had impact in the system. Two of the metropolitan diversion programs succeeded in reducing the number of youths penetrating and being maintained in the criminal justice system. The third site analyzed showed an increase in maintenance in the system after diversion's inception. This, however, was apparently an artifact of a change in policy unrelated to diversion. From a systems impact assessment, it can be concluded that when implemented properly, diversion can be successful in reducing the number of youth brought before the juvenile court. Tabular data and 20 references are provided.