NCJ Number
11481
Date Published
1973
Length
73 pages
Annotation
EXPLORATORY STUDY OF DIVERSION PROCESSES IN JUVENILE JUSTICE WHICH PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT PERSONNEL PRACTICES AND DEVELOPING IMPLICATIONS IN THE FIELD.
Abstract
THIS WORK SUGGESTS THAT 'DIVERSION' IS BECOMING THE RHETORIC USED TO IDENTIFY AND REFORM A DELINQUENT WITHOUT OFFICIALLY LABELING HIM DELINQUENT. TWO THEORETICAL JUSTIFICATIONS FOR DIVERSION PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED. THE LABELING THEORY STATES THAT ONCE AN INDIVIDUAL IS STIGMATIZED AS DELINQUENT, FURTHER DEVIANCE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE LABELING PROCESS. THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION THEORY SUGGESTS THAT INDIVIDUALS ENGAGE IN DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPOSED TO AN OVERABUNDANCE OF ASSOCIATIONS WITH BEHAVIOR PATTERNS FAVORABLE TO DELINQUENCY. IN ORDER TO ASSESS CURRENT PRACTICES, THE AUTHORS SURVEYED DIVERSION IN AN ANONYMOUS STATE THEY CALL MOUNTAIN VIEW. THE INTAKE, INFORMAL PROBATION, AND DIVERSION UNITS AT FOUR PROBATION DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE STATE ARE EXAMINED AND COMPARED IN TURN. THEY FIRST EXAMINE DEFINITIONAL PROBLEMS GENERATED BY THE BROAD TERM 'DIVERSION' BECAUSE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL ACTION, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER ADJUDICATION, IS UNCLEAR. THE DISCUSSION THEN PROCEEDS ACCORDING TO THE ORDER IN WHICH A JUVENILE GOES THROUGH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE AUTHORS COMMENT ON THE INTAKE OFFICERS ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES, DISCRETION, AND ROLES AS INVESTIGATOR AND COUNSELOR. IN HANDLING CASES MOUNTAIN VIEW OFFICERS HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE COUNSELING, WARNING OR RELEASE, REFERRAL TO SPECIAL DIVERSION UNITS, PLACEMENT ON INFORMAL PROBATION, AND PETITION FOR AN OFFICIAL HEARING. SCHOOL COMMUNITY OFFICERS AND YOUTH SERVICES BUREAUS ARE ALSO REVIEWED AS THEY RELATE TO DIVERSION OF JUVENILES. (SNI ABSTRACT)