NCJ Number
85279
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Research on diversion is used as the basis for a discussion of six sets of issues regarding diversion: due process safeguards and protection of youth rights, the cost of diversion, diversion's effectiveness, the extension of social control potentially inherent in diversion, the labeling effects of diversion, and conceptual and implementation issues.
Abstract
Over a decade ago, diversion was seen as a solution to numerous problems in the juvenile justice system, including high rates of recidivism, overload of the formal system, and the lack of a humanitarian approach. Since diversion programs have been established, research has raised issues similar to those which existed when the programs were initiated. Much concern exists that the informality and discretion involved in diversion do not provide youths with procedural safeguards adequate to protect their rights. Little is known regarding the cost-effectiveness of diversion, particularly for programs which include the provision of services. The authors' research indicating cost-effectiveness has been conducted under specific circumstances which are not necessarily applicable elsewhere. While the authors' research has shown that diversion programs reduce recidivism, other studies have produced mixed results. The extension of social control, or the 'widening the net' phenomenon, has occurred because of the design of most diversion programs. The main criticism of diversion is that its original concept has not been implemented on any consistent basis. Scientific investigations are needed to resolve these issues. Forty-six references are listed.