Making the Case for Pre-Adjudication Diversion

The RFK National Resource Center released Strengthening Interagency Collaboration: The Case for Pre-Adjudication Diversion. This new resource is co-authored by Probation System Reform Practice Network member Dr. John S. Ryals, Jr. (Jefferson Parish Department of Juvenile Services) and Blake Bascle (Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Program). The use of pre-adjudication diversion in interagency processes can result in dramatic improvements in youth outcomes, community safety, system performance, and interagency collaboration. Benefits of using pre-adjudication diversion goals are rooted in the history of the juvenile justice system, demonstrated through proven intervention approaches, and embedded in adolescent development research. This practice brief describes how the use of pre-adjudication diversion is supported by current knowledge about youth development and highlights benefits of diversion programming in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. To access this practice brief, please click here!