NCJ Number
114696
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Following a definition of diversion, this chapter provides an overview of the theory, philosophy, and practicalities of juvenile diversion programs.
Abstract
Juvenile diversion projects emerged as a dominant movement in juvenile justice in the late 1960's and 1970's. It was given impetus by the 1967 recommendations of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice and the influence of several agencies, including the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the Office of Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention. Alternatives included police-based diversion programs, probation diversion, voluntary youth service bureaus, and community outreach counseling. The objective of many of the early diversion programs was to provide a structured, community-based alternative to incarceration so that petty and status offenders would not be exposed to the corrupting influences of the more hardened juvenile offenders who populate juvenile institutions. Four early programs (project Crossroads and programs in St. Louis, Baltimore, and Sacramento County, Calif.) intervened with first-time offenders prior to court processing and treated youth in the community, although their philosophy, methods, and services differed. Of these, three were judged effective. The successful programs provided direct services, including family counseling, parenting education, and behavioral contracting. 7 discussion questions and 28 references.