REPORT: Juvenile Diversion: A Smart Approach to Reducing Crime

Feb 7, 2025

More than 17,000 Pennsylvania children were charged in juvenile court in 2023, and 2/3 of the charges were for misdemeanors or summary offenses, like loitering and disorderly conduct. For those children and their communities, diversion is a better alternative than jail or probation. Diversion is a proven approach to address low-level criminal or delinquent behavior outside the formal court system, and approximately 80% of Pennsylvania children receiving diversion complete it successfully. Every Pennsylvania county offers some degree of diversion, but there are differences in models and approaches, which offenses qualify, and eligibility criteria. As a result, access to diversion varies significantly across counties, and not all youth who could benefit from this effective approach receive it. This report highlights some of the effective diversion strategies in use across the Commonwealth, how other states improved outcomes by requiring diversion for certain offenses, and how Pennsylvania lawmakers can expand this successful approach to addressing youth crime.

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Attend a Community Budget Meeting

Philadelphia students cannot afford fewer teachers or other support staff. City Council can vote to prevent those cuts. Speak up on behalf of students! Attend one (or more) of the upcoming public events and tell councilmembers, “No cuts to schools!” Sign Up, Show Up, Speak Up because Our Kids Are Worth It. Need help with your testimony? Check out our testimony as well as these talking points. We can also help – reachout to frangyp@childrenfirstpa.org. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Postcards: Print, Sign & Share

These postcards are available for your community group or organization to print and share with your members. Postcards can be dropped off to 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 600 or you can scan and send to info@childrenfirstpa.org. We also have printed postcards available to pick up at our office. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Lower Travel Costs! Options are available.

The Mayor’s proposed tax on ride share companies will protect public schools and ensure students have the resources they deserve. If ride share companies choose to pass these costs directly onto riders, there are options for individuals with disabilities to help lower their travel costs. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.