I Came for the Food: Perspectives of Youth Participants in a Youth Diversion Program

• In Event: Early Stages of the Juvenile Justice System: Diversion and Attitudes Related to the Police

Abstract

Changes to Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act in 2003 identified youth diversion programs as one of the most appropriate actions when dealing with youth apprehended for minor crimes. As a result, the use of diversion programs increased among many regions in Canada. Very little is known however about the experiences and perceptions of the youth who participate in these diversion programs. This paper provides a preliminary evaluation of a pre-charge youth diversion program for first time offenders operating in the Greater Toronto Area. The data derives from post-test data of 340 young offenders charged with either Theft, Minor Assault, or Drug Possession. Results indicate that the majority of young offenders realized the benefits of participating in the youth diversion program as opposed to having their case processed through youth court. Most youth felt that they were provided with sufficient information to help prevent them from getting involved in further criminal activity. However, some of the youth expressed concern over the length of the program. Some also expressed concern over the distance required to travel. The paper concludes with a discussion of the methodological weaknesses associated with this study and the need for further evaluation of this important diversion initiative.

Author

• Kanika Samuels, University of Waterloo