Gender Bias in Juvenile Diversion

Abstract

Secondary data are drawn upon to examine the possibility of unanticipated gender bias in juvenile diversion. These data suggest that females are disproportionately involved in diversion programs, and that they tend to be referred to programs for minor forms of misconduct. On the basis of this and other evidence that diversion both widens the net of social control and increases later delinquency, it is concluded that the expansion of diversion will mean an increase in the numbers of female youths who experience juvenile justice processing as a consequence of initial nonserious misconduct.