Stationhouse Adjustment: Keeping Youth Out of the Juvenile Justice System

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

In New Jersey, Stationhouse Adjustment (SHA) is an alternative method for police to handle first-time juvenile offenders with minor offenses. SHA provides immediate consequences, such as community service or restitution, while allowing the juvenile to avoid a formal juvenile delinquency record. Liberman, Kirk, & Kideuk, 2014 found that “…first arrests increased the likelihood of both subsequent offending and subsequent arrest…”

To prevent youth from reoffending and getting deeper into the juvenile justice system, a county-wide juvenile delinquency prevention effort comprised of government, law enforcement, education, social services, and faith-based organizations, that we staff and provide technical assistance to, redesigned SHA in its 3 urban centers for consistency throughout police departments, allowing additional offenses, and even including juveniles with second or third arrests.

Our evaluation of Cumberland County SHAs shows an increase in its use by 122% from 2013 to 2015, while also realizing a juvenile arrest decrease of 41%. Further, a review of any additional police contact for 2015 SHAs shows a 9.7% and 12.9% recidivism rate to a Curbside Adjustment and juvenile arrest respectively; along with a 3.1 and 2.7 month average to each of these contacts respectively. Specific strategies utilized, research and policy recommendations will be offered.

Authors

• Tracy A. Swan, Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University, Camden

• Luke McKetta, Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University, Camden

• Karen Rosado, Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University, Camden

• Gwendolyn Harris, Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University, Camden