Westmoreland County Youth Commissions: A Diversionary Program Based on Balanced and Restorative Justice

Judith E. Sturges

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Westmoreland County Youth Commission is a diversionary program based on Balanced and Restorative Justice. The purpose of the program is to reduce caseload and lower costs of the juvenile court as well as provide youths with a rehabilitation program with dose supervision. This study was exploratory in nature to describe what has been happening with youths diverted to the Youth Commissions. Data was collected from the 19 Youth Commissions, and a total of 559 cases were reviewed. Outcome data reveals that young offenders were assessed individually, and sanctions were imposed to hold them accountable, cultivate competency, and have them become cognizant of their part in community protection/public safety. Overall, 91% of the youths completed the program. Thus, this program appears to be a viable alternative to juvenile court processing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalJuvenile and Family Court Journal
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Law

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