Diversion in the Canadian Juvenile Justice System - A Tale of Two Cities

• NCJ Number: 101034
• Journal: Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1985-1986) Pages: 59-66
• Author(s): P G Jaffe; B J Kroeker; C Hyatt; M Miscevick; A Telford; R Chandler; C Shanahan; B Sokoloff
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

A comparison of recidivism and attitudes among juveniles diverted from court with those processed by juvenile courts shows no significant difference between the matched groups.

Abstract

Ninety-seven juveniles completed the diversion program in Windsor, Ontario, from May 30, 1978, to June 1, 1979. A matched sample of 89 juveniles was obtained from juveniles traditionally processed in London's juvenile justice system (Ontario). Subsequent adult criminal records of the two samples were obtained from the police. A separate study examined juveniles' and their parents' attitudes about their intervention (182 juveniles diverted in Windsor for 1981-82 and 32 juveniles appearing in the London juvenile court between July 1, 1981, and June 30, 1982). Separate questionnaires were administered to juveniles and parents. The Windsor juveniles had twice as many charges in adult court, although the overall recidivism rate was comparable with London juveniles (41 percent in Windsor and 44 percent in London). Juveniles from both samples appearing in adult court did so shortly after their 16th birthdays. Attitudes toward intervention were not significantly different among the juveniles and parents of the two samples. Study limitations preclude drawing conclusions about intervention preference. 13 references and tabular data.