The Diversity of Diversion Disparity: An Evaluation of the Use of Civil Citations in Florida

• In Event: Florida Juvenile Justice: Trending Topics, Advancements in Data and Research, and Statewide Systemic Responses

Abstract

Diversion efforts have figured prominently in the landscape of the juvenile justice system since the juvenile court’s inception in 1899. Significant variation exists in diversion programs across the U.S., and this variation itself reflects different goals to which these programs can be aimed to achieve (Mears, 2012). One example of a contemporary diversion effort is the civil citation in Florida. Available to first-time misdemeanants, a civil citation can be viewed as a type of diversion program because in part the goal is to intervene with youth in situations where the court might not intervene at all and, separately, to intervene in a more informal manner in cases that otherwise might be handled formally. The current study provides insight into how, and for whom, contemporary diversion programs like civil citation are used. Specifically, the research examines individual youth factors, including demographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race, and ethnicity), as well as offense type and county context, and, in particular, the extent to which a given county uses civil citation. It examines as well the factors associated with the use of civil citation in several large counties throughout the state. Finally, it draws on interview data to investigate the particular purposes to which civil citation appears to be used, both to determine further the variation in the use of civil citation and to identify critical issues for assessing the impact of civil citation laws. Drawing on prior theory and research, I identify different patterns of civil citation use that may exist.

Authors

• Joshua J. Kuch, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

• Daniel P. Mears, Florida State University

• Mark A. Greenwald, Florida State University

• Mark Russell, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice