Assessment of the Juvenile Justice System Reform in Washington State: Vol. IV, The Diversion of Minor Offenders, An Accountability Approach

• NCJ Number: 139732
• Author(s): B J Seljan; A L Schneider
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 50 pages
• Grant Number(s): 79-JN-AX-0028
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: Institute of Policy Analysis
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The reform of the Washington State juvenile justice system, undertaken in the 1960's and based on principles of justice, proportionality, and equality, is examined in terms of its accountability approach to diversion.

Abstract

Washington's approach to diversion reflects several current trends: the concept of diversion itself, the use of restitution or community services as an alternatives to traditional sanctions, the emphasis on community involvement in the diversion process, and the movement away from paternalism toward a more legalistic approach. The Washington approach toward diversion is unique in that the processes, activities, and resources of the program are designed to be consistent with a clearly articulated theory of justice in which punishment is limited to that which is deserved by the youth, sanctions are proportionate to the crime seriousness and degree of responsibility, the juvenile is held accountable for his behavior, and the length of punishment is not affected by the provision of treatment or social services. A survey of 17 diversion programs in the State was conducted to assess the implementation process, the organization and operation of different diversion program models, problems encountered in implementation, and issues of continuing concern to program administrators. 1 table, 2 figures, 16 notes, and 30 references