Recidivism, Costs, and Psychosocial Outcomes for a Post-Arrest Juvenile Diversion Program

Abstract

Recidivism, costs, and psychosocial outcomes are reported for a post-arrest diversion program in Wayne County (Detroit), MI. Program features included: rapid, standardized assessment of psychosocial functioning with the Juvenile Inventory For Functioning®, an individualized plan for addressing needs, engagement of caregivers, service provision by youth assistance programs in the youth's community, and access to mental health and substance use services as needed. The adjudication rate for new offenses one-year post services was 7.7%, for a program that costs $1,500 per youth. Significant improvement in functioning was observed for youth with an exit assessment. Functioning at entry predicted recidivism.

KEYWORDS:

• assessment
• diversion
• functioning
• JIFF
• juvenile justice
• outcomes
• recidivism

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express appreciation to Robert Heimbuch, Chief of the Juvenile Division of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and the Wayne County Children and Family Services.

Notes

*Significant at p ≤ .05. **Significant at p ≤ .001.

^a N = 249 for JIFF total score and school due to exclusion of youth who were no longer enrolled in school.

*p < .001.

^a N = 225 for JIFF total score and school due to exclusion of youth who were no longer enrolled in school.

*p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa A. Martin

Lisa A. Martin is now at the University of Michigan—Dearborn.