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inclusion of a broad network of community-based services that collaborate with one another

(Cocozza et al., 2005; Dembo et al., 2007; Winder & Denious, 2013).

Method

This study evaluates an inter-agency collaboration between local law enforcement, the

schools, the Governor’s Crime Commission/Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and a local non-

profit focused on racial/ethnic disproportionality in the juvenile justice system. Led by local law

enforcement, these agencies worked together to divert first-time youthful offenders from formal

processing through the juvenile justice system. Using a quasi-experimental design, non-

randomized, non-matched comparison groups were used to assess differences in characteristics and

outcomes. A randomized controlled trial was not possible as all participants were grouped based on

participation decisions, assessment, and eligibility criteria. Therefore, the experimental group was

compared to multiple groups: youth rejected from the program at screening/youth choosing not to

participate, youth entering but not completing the program, and a state-wide sample of youth

diverted from the juvenile justice system via court counselors. Further comparisons were also

conducted within the experimental group based on the types of services provided. The analyses

conducted sought to answer the following:

Research Questions

1. How does the recidivism rate for Youth Diversion Program completers compare to those

who were rejected at screening, those youth who enroll but do not complete the program,

and the state’s general diverted juvenile population?

2. Do recidivism rates vary based on the types of services provided?

3. What specific steps are taken to improve youth’s decision-making skills and to empower

families?

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