LAJC supports HB 438. This bill allows the Court Services Unit (CSU) to divert a juvenile case from formal processing even if a previous case had been diverted. It also clarifies that courts can return a case to the CSU for diversion when appropriate.
A second delinquent act by a child is not predictive of future criminality. Diversion programs such as restorative justice hold youth accountable without the costs of formal court processing. Research consistently shows that diversion reduces recidivism compared to formal court processing when holding all other relevant criteria constant. Limiting diversion to a single opportunity can compound existing inequities for youth of color and youth with disabilities, who are disproportionately referred to court.
LAJC supports HB 438. This bill allows the Court Services Unit (CSU) to divert a juvenile case from formal processing even if a previous case had been diverted. It also clarifies that courts can return a case to the CSU for diversion when appropriate. A second delinquent act by a child is not predictive of future criminality. Diversion programs such as restorative justice hold youth accountable without the costs of formal court processing. Research consistently shows that diversion reduces recidivism compared to formal court processing when holding all other relevant criteria constant. Limiting diversion to a single opportunity can compound existing inequities for youth of color and youth with disabilities, who are disproportionately referred to court.