SJC Exchange Library

Over the past two decades, the United States has made significant strides in adopting evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice. However, America still has relatively high juvenile arrest rates, which are correlated with negative life outcomes. Pre-arrest diversion, also known as "deflection," is a promising approach to reducing juvenile arrests. Juvenile deflection redirects young people away from the formal justice system at the earliest point of contact, avoiding the negative consequences associated with an arrest. Think of it like fixing a leaky faucet before it breaks, instead of having to mop up a flooded house. This policy paper evaluates the evidence supporting deflection, using case studies to highlight data collection techniques essential to success.