NCJ Number
146450
Journal
Medical Science Law Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 325-330
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Using the criminal records of 120 Scottish alleged offenders, obtained an average of 31 months after their initial assessment at a forensic clinic, this study examined the criminal justice outcome of diversion from the normal prosecution process.
Abstract
Reconviction was used as the criterion of outcome because it is the one objective measure that can be applied irrespective of the presenting psychological problem or the therapeutic approach taken to resolve that problem. The results showed that 25 percent of those referred for diversion were reconvicted during the follow-up period. Young male offenders were most likely to reoffend, while older female offenders had a very low rate of reconviction. The apparent effect of treatment on recidivism disappeared when selection factors were controlled for in the logistic regression analysis. However, the author argues that diversion programs should still be used to treat older people, shoplifters, sex offenders, and those who are convicted of offenses against the peace or disorderly conduct; they are more likely to be experiencing psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse. 4 tables and 14 references