Review of Selected Research and Program Evaluations on Police Diversion Programs

• NCJ Number: 82024
• Author(s): D M Altschuler; J S Lawrence
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 81 pages
• Grant Number(s): 77-JN-99-0002
• Sponsoring Agency: US Securities and Exchange Cmssn
• Corporate Author: University of Chicago
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reports of the National Juvenile Justice Assessment Centers.

Annotation

This review of police diversion programs for juveniles nationwide compares program goals and objectives, use of formal and informal diversion, the auspices under which the programs operate, intake criteria, due process issues, and effectiveness.

Abstract

Program evaluations and descriptions were obtained through a nationwide telephone survey of juvenile justice specialists. Information was requested on police alternatives to traditional juvenile justice processing and dispositions. Seven programs (five county and two city) are illustrative of a number of different ways jurisdictions are pursuing juvenile diversion. Four of the programs studied primarily make referrals to existing community agencies and services; three provide services directly at the police departments. Despite the existence of intake criteria, police decisions regarding preadjudicatory diversion of youths from formal processing remain discretionary. In order for diversion with service to result in a meaningful experience for the youth, appropriate matching of client and vendor is important. Police officers are rarely trained for this time-consuming task. Coercive features may be present not only in the screening process but in service provision itself. It is recommended that a clear distinction be retained between the goal of reducing penetration into the justice system past initial police contact and the goal of providing services without threat of legal action or violation of due process. Screening criteria should focus on clearly enumerated factors in selecting clients for diversion, and line officers should be especially trained for diversion work. A variety of services should be available, and clients should be tracked through the service and after its completion. Finally, outcome measures should reflect the dual goals of diversion -- removing youths from official processing and providing them with desired services. Program descriptions and a diversion form are appended. Notes and 73 references are given.