Understanding Juvenile Diversion Program Success for Girls: A Focus on the Latina First-Time Offender

• In Event: Experiences and Needs of Diverse Youth in the Justice System

Abstract

In the contemporary juvenile courts and correctional systems, girls have become one of the fastest growing segments; however, studies on female delinquents of color and the court and correctional treatment of them remain an area neglected and fairly scarce in the field of criminal or juvenile justice. Left out of the conversation, in particular, are Latina girl offenders, despite their increasing visibility in the system. Using a multi-level regression modeling framework to examine the experiences and outcomes of 2765 first-time female juvenile offenders referred to diversion in Colorado, this paper remedies this deficit and focuses on background characteristics, services received, and program outcomes for Latina female offenders, in comparison to White, non-Hispanic female offenders. Our objective is to better document and understand the circumstances and needs of Latina girls at risk for contact with or involved in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems and their opportunities to benefit from early intervention efforts such as diversion; and to identify gender- and culturally-sensitive suggestions for improved programming.

Authors

• Lisa Pasko, University of Denver

• Jean Denious, OMNI institute