Crime Causation and Diversion Paper

Crime Causation and Diversion Paper

CJA/374

Crime Causation and Diversion Paper Juvenile diversion programs have been created to divert youth from their early encounters with the juvenile court system (Russell & Wood, 1998). Juvenile diversion programs are available to those who are charged with a minor crime, misdemeanor, or a petty offense.
Diversion means the case is diverted away from the criminal or juvenile justice system because of the way the charge is handled. Instead of going before a judge, you have a chance to avoid trial and a record if you complete the terms of a diversion program. When it comes to diversion programs for juveniles they can arrange anywhere from bеhаviοrаl thеrаpiеѕ, group hοmеѕ, and rеѕidеntiаl trеаtmеnt fасilitiеѕ. Teen courts, also known as youth or peer courts, are considered one of the fastest growing juvenile prevention and intervention programs in the country. The
State of Georgia is highly affected by troubled teens that have problems related to abuse, drugs, and mental, physical, and emotional problems.
Programs
There are many diversion programs in Georgia to help troubled teens. Some of the programs consist of Community Service, Mediation, Youth Diversion, and Counseling Centers.
Community service is a great way to help juveniles get back in the good grace of the community by working to offset their time and the trouble they have caused. A juvenile offender may be ordered by the Court to contribute a certain amount of hours CSW of labor that benefits a non- profit, helping organization. The number of hours a juvenile offender may be required to perform is completely within the discretion of the Court. Mediation is considered (by the Court) for all first-time status offenses and for first-time misdemeanors where the victim is willing to participate. The Court also uses mediation to settle portions of cases and to settle some restitution issues. Mediation gives the complainant/victim and the offender each an opportunity to meet, talks about the offense, expresses concerns, and negotiates a mutually amiable agreement. The Cobb Juvenile Court has been chosen by the
Georgia Supreme Court to participate in a model mediation program to investigate the efficacy of mediation in child deprivation cases. In each of these cases specially trained mediators are provided by the state to assist the parties to reach an agreement regarding the best way to deal with deficiencies in child care that have brought the child deprivation accusations to the Court. Youth Diversion Program (YDP) is an alternative method for handling cases of youths who are first time offenders and charged with a minor offense. If the youth admits to the charge, that youth may be allowed to volunteer for the YDP. If the child successfully completes the YDP, the child 's charges may be dismissed by the Court. The YPD has a hearing in front of volunteers instead of judges that determine the sentences for juveniles and what their punishments should be. Majority of the cases that are allowed in YDP are misdemeanors such as criminal trespasses, simple battery and disruption of school just to name a few. Juveniles who have been in trouble with the law but have lesser charges usually have the opportunity to go to counseling. In Atlanta, GA there are many organizations for troubled teens; youth counseling centers hire experienced and professional counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists who are committed to treat the problems and disorders of teenagers. The camps for troubled teen counseling in Atlanta Georgia offer various opportunities to rebellious and unmotivated youths to enhance their abilities, interests and life skills. Teens who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction can get the best support and treatments in residential treatment centers. There are many benefits and goals when it comes to diversion services that are very beneficial to juveniles and families. Youth participating in diversion avoids the stigma and labels associated with a juvenile court record. It also offers youth an opportunity to develop important social skills. Families are able to strengthen relationships with youth through improved communication skills. Communities benefit as youth understand their role in the community, develop positive attitudes, and a sense of responsibility toward their community. Juvenile and
Criminal Court System benefits through reduced caseloads, increased efficiency, and lowered court costs. Diversion services goals are to prevent youth from any further participation in criminal behavior and activity. Develop responsible alternatives to the juvenile justice system for eligible offenders. Reduce costs and caseload burdens on juvenile courts and the criminal justice system. Promote the collection of restitution to the victim of the offender 's crime. Youth Villages programs work in Georgia. Based on research conducted six months post- discharge, of the children from Georgia who have received at least 60 days of service in
Intercept: 73% of youth are at home with family, 84% of youth report no trouble with the law and 92% of youth are in school, have graduated from high school, or are in GED classes.
Sometime when help comes in the home to help families to get on the right track to help out their troubled teen works because all the participants are there to know what’s going on and how things go to get the teen back on track. Diversion services goals are to prevent youth from any further participation in criminal behavior and activity. Develop responsible alternatives to the juvenile justice system for eligible offenders. Reduce costs and caseload burdens on juvenile courts and the criminal justice system.
Promote the collection of restitution to the victim of the offender 's crime. Diversions services are there to help teens learn from their mistakes early with the help of early intervention and educations about the judicial system. The Successful completion of the program results in the dismissal of the troubled teens all criminal charges as well as gives up addiction. The youth becomes responsible and live social life. A successful juvenile diversion program is dependent on consistent collaboration among those responsible for the planning, administration, and implementation of the program. The best indicator of a consistent juvenile diversion program is the level of collaboration among stakeholders (Russell & Wood, 1998). The juvenile diversion programs studied provided opportunities for families to build stronger parent/child relationships.
Parents reported that participation in the programs gave them the opportunity to develop communication with their child and to work on projects and tasks with the child. Both youth and parents reported increased understanding and reconciliation (Russell & Wood, 1998).

References
Jacobs, T. (2010). What are Juvenile Diversion Programs? Retrieved from: http://www.askthejudge.info/what-are-juvenile-diversion-programs/6735/
Russell, S. & Wood, S. (1998). Juvenile Diversion. Retrieved from: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1329&context=ardnews http://juvenile.cobbcountyga.gov/generalinfo.htm#faq http://www.youthvillages.org/what-we-do/intensive-in-home-treatment/intercept.aspx

References: Jacobs, T. (2010). What are Juvenile Diversion Programs? Retrieved from: http://www.askthejudge.info/what-are-juvenile-diversion-programs/6735/ Russell, S. & Wood, S. (1998). Juvenile Diversion. Retrieved from: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1329&context=ardnews http://juvenile.cobbcountyga.gov/generalinfo.htm#faq http://www.youthvillages.org/what-we-do/intensive-in-home-treatment/intercept.aspx