A Differentiated Approach To Juvenile Diversion

Abstract

This article reports on evaluations of several California diversion projects, con ducted by means of quasi-experimental designs. The delinquent behavior of diver sion clients was reduced relative to that of a matched comparison group. Modest financial savings resulted for justice system referrals. No single type of program— voluntary or otherwise—and no single program setting were found to be optimal for all or even most youths deemed appropriate for diversion; however, a series of pro grams and settings are recommended for specific groups of youths. The recommen dations are designed to strike a balance between five valid but often conflicting goals of diversion: avoidance of negative labeling, reduction of unnecessary social control, reduction of recidivism, provision of service, and reduction of justice sys tem costs. Using this balanced-goals approach, the researchers also focus on the question of when intervention in a youth's career might be most desirable.