NCJ Number
84972
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: special edition (June 1982) Pages: 100-108
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Research indicates that females are disproportionately involved in diversion programs in contrast to other forms of social control. They are more likely than males to be referred to a diversion program for misconduct or potential delinquency.
Abstract
Young persons are more likely to be referred to diversion programs for misconduct and delinquent tendencies than they are for actual law violations. The more a diversion agency is concerned with misconduct rather than offense behavior, the more likely it is to attract a female client population. In general, diversion programs serve to widen the net of social control. In general, the effect of diversion may be to increase the perception of stigma and the later delinquency of those who experience the diversion. Youth service bureaus appear to serve female clients more than males, and the problems for which they are referred are often status offenses. In the case of diversion, the increase of the net of social control encompasses females who are seen as violators of the appropriate sex role (and standards of morality). Thus, by both widening the net and increasing the probability of later delinquency, the end result of such diversion programs is to significantly increase the future number of girls who will experience juvenile justice processing. One table and about 40 references are provided.