NCJ Number
75101
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
An analysis of 14 juvenile diversion programs in Los Angeles County, Calif., based on arrest rate comparisons between 1972 and 1977 indicated that diversion was effective in reducing delinquency.
Abstract
Juvenile diversion creates an alternative to the formal justice system by referring delinquent and predelinquent juveniles to local community services, such as counseling, recreation, and tutoring. The Federal Government began to encourage diversion in the early 1970's by funding demonstration projects. Evaluations of these projects show that some were successful, but no attempt has been made to coordinate individual results. This study compared juvenile arrest and referral rates of those areas in Los Angeles County participating in the diversion programs with those not participating. Information on offenses for which both juveniles and adults can be arrested was collected from the Los Angeles Police Department, the County Sheriff's Department, and the Bureau of Criminal Statistics. Public school enrollment figures were used to adjust for changes in the juvenile population. Analyses showed that arrest rates in the county increased an average of 18 percent from 1972 through 1974 but decreased 3 percent from 1975 through 1977 after the diversion projects started. Arrest statistics for nondiversion project localities showed an average increase of 25 percent from 1972 to 1974 and an increase of 2 percent in the 1975-1977 period. These findings are not as conclusive as they first appear because both areas experienced a change in arrest patterns after 1974, and all the diversion projects were not in full operation by 1975. Nevertheless, the trend of decreasing arrests in the project areas demonstrates the positive impact of diversion. A graph accompanies the paper.