Supporting the equitable treatment of youth in the criminal justice system: an evaluation of a systematic decision-making process for a juvenile diversion program

2018-10-23This evaluation research study is a modified gap analysis of the knowledge, motivation and organizational assets and barriers associated with the creation of a systematic decision-making process for the juvenile diversion program, which aims to ensure the equitable treatment of all youth offenders by eliminating the potential for biases on the part of law enforcement officers when working with youth in the community. This study provides a review of literature pertaining the negative impacts of youth involvement in the justice system and the importance of a systematic decision-making process for law enforcement organizations. Using the Clark and Estes (2008) gap analysis framework, the collection of data derived from interviews with the Westside Police Department’s (pseudonym) Special Victims Unit (SVU) personnel, who were tasked with the creation of the systematic decision-making process, as well as an analysis of the department’s policy manual and training records. Findings revealed that SVU personnel were motivated to complete the task; however, the majority of the SVU personnel only had a basic knowledge level of the juvenile justice system and juvenile law. Additionally, this study revealed gaps in the organization’s policy and practices that made it difficult for the SVU personnel to achieve their goal of creating a systematic decision-making process for the organization as well as to provide fair and equitable services to youth offenders. This study recommends research- based solutions to assist law enforcement organizations on how to prepare their personnel to create a systematic decision-making process for their juvenile diversion program that will ensure the equitable treatment of all youth offenders