A meta-analysis of experimental studies of diversion programs for juvenile offenders

ObjectiveResearch to establish an evidence-base for the treatment of conduct problems and delinquency in adolescence is well established; however, an evidence-base for interventions with offenders who are diverted from the juvenile justice system has yet to be synthesized. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of experimental studies testing juvenile diversion programs and to examine the moderating effect of program type and implementation quality.MethodA literature search using PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service data-bases and research institute websites yielded 28 eligible studies involving 57 experimental comparisons and 19,301 youths.ResultsRecidivism was the most common outcome reported across all studies. Overall, the effect of diversion programs on recidivism was non-significant (k = 45, OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.43–1.58). Of the five program types identified, including case management (k = 18, OR = 0.78), individual treatment (k = 11, OR = 0.83), family treatment (k = 4, OR = 0.57), youth court (k = 6, OR = 0.93), and restorative justice (k = 6, OR = 0.87), only family treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in recidivism. Restorative justice studies that were implemented with active involvement of researchers led to statistically significant reductions in recidivism (k = 3, OR = 0.69). Other outcomes, including frequency of offending, truancy, and psycho-social problems were reported infrequently and were not subjected to meta-analysis.ConclusionsHigh levels of heterogeneity characterize diversion research. Results of this study recommend against implementation of programs limited to case management and highlight the promise of family interventions and restorative justice.

► This study meta-analyzed 28 evaluations of juvenile diversion programs with over 19,000 youths.
► Effect sizes for diversion programs compared to control groups were non-significant.
► Family-based diversion programs reduced recidivism.
► Intervention quality indicators moderated outcomes.