The Impact of Civil Citation on Juvenile Recidivism

• In Event: Predicting Future Delinquency and Improving Youth Outcomes

Abstract

Diversion programs, first popularized in the 1960s, are increasingly used as an alternative to traditional sanctioning, especially amongst juveniles populations. In line with labeling theory, these programs are driven by the assertion that reducing a juvenile’s contact with the juvenile justice system will make them less likely to engage in future deviant behavior. However, most diversion programs occur after the juvenile has already entered the system in some way, either through an arrest, detention, or the courts. In 2011, Florida instituted a statewide initiative called Civil Citation, whereby low-risk juveniles could receive diversion as an alternative to arrest, allowing the juvenile to avoid an official arrest record if they complete the program. Using data provided by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, this study examines whether receiving civil citation instead of arrest, thus avoiding any official record, reduces the likelihood that a juvenile will recidivate in the future.

Authors

• Melissa Nadel, Florida State University

• George Pesta, Florida State University

• William D. Bales, Florida State University

• Mark A. Greenwald, Florida State University

• Thomas G. Blomberg, Florida State University