The development of minimum standards for diversion programmes in the child justice system: final report

Abstract

The development of minimum standards for diversion programmes in the Child Justice system in accordance with the provisions of the Child Justice Bill (B48 of 2002). (Tender awarded by NICRO and funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy). This study was completed in September 2004. It has three components. The first isa review of the literature on causal pathways to antisocial behaviour among children and adolescents. The second isa report on 'what works' in programmes designed to address juvenile offending. The third is the design of a set of minimum standards for diversion programmes in terms of the Child Justice Bill. The standards were field tested among diversion programme staff and other stakeholders. The standards are suitable for a range of contexts and models of delivery, from large-scale programmes to small-scale local initiatives. The recommendations for minimum standards for diversion programme design, delivery and outcomes have been designed to encourage evidence-based diversion programming within a child rights framework. The product will assist the state to monitor the quality of diversion programmes for children in trouble with the law. It appears that this is a unique product, with no other country having produced standards of this nature.