Diversion of Youth in the Criminal Justice System: A General Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

This study investigated the elements that contribute to the effective acceptance and execution of restorative justice (RJ) programs for young offenders. To enhance discussions regarding the reform of the juvenile justice system, the study looked at policy obstacles and assessed program efficacy. The study research questions asked, “How do probation officers describe the conditions surrounding the implementation of restorative justice programs for at-risk youth? and “What factors contribute to the effective adoption of restorative justice programs?” The generic qualitative inquiry method obtained data from juvenile criminal justice probation officers in the field specifically to understand the factors affecting the implementation of juvenile RJ programs. The population for this study consisted of juvenile probation officers in the United States. From this population, a sample of nine juvenile justice officers with 5 or more years of experience in the field who had implemented juvenile RJ programs was gathered. The research compared the lived professional experiences of juvenile justice probation officers implementing RJ programs. The collected data were analyzed using transcription and the analysis of themes, which led to four emerging themes regarding the professional experiences of officers within the juvenile justice system. That participants stressed that several interrelated factors shaped the successful implementation of RJ programs, including the support of the youth offender and their family, probation officers’ limited resources, the juvenile’s and their family’s unmet needs, and the lack of faith in the juvenile justice system. Future research is recommended to further explore both professionals in juvenile justice and juveniles to account for first-hand experiences that can lead to a deeper understanding of organizational and societal barriers to implementing RJ programs for at-risk youth.