When determining whether juveniles should be given access to a diversion program, the court should look at the offender rather than the offense. Over the past few decades, the juvenile justice system has become increasingly more punitive with a desire to “punish” rather than “rehabilitate.” Rather than (dishing out) “get tough” policy driven sentences, the juvenile court should provide alternative options of treatment in alignment with the original purpose of the juvenile court. Many opponents of diversion programs have cited to the extensive costs to maintain such treatment option. However, costs remain high if juvenile continues to participate in criminal activity and is later sent to an adult detention facility. Further, diverting juvenile offenders towards community and treatment-based programs have proven to be far more effective at addressing and preventing future delinquency in comparison to placing them in confinement. Additionally, diversion programs allow youths to separate themselves from the stigma of “youth delinquents” and channel their behavior towards a more positive outcome. …show more content…
Juveniles who participate in this program often benefit from a reduction in out of home placements, ability to maintain youth connectedness to peers and environment, and reduction in rates of