Abstract
This thesis compares Elk Grove Police Department’s (EGPD) Juvenile Diversion Program’s (JDP) ten diversion interventions to evidence-based juvenile diversion program interventions to Lipsey’s (2009) seven evidence-based interventions for juvenile diversion programs. In addition, graduation rates from this program and reasons participants failed the program were examined to determine if EGPD’s JDP achieved program goals and standards. Interviews of current and past EGPD officers in charge of the JDP were collected to provide qualitative support. Based on Lipsey’s (2009) model, EGPD’s JDP’s nine evidence-based diversion interventions were identified to be successful interventions for diverting juvenile offenders and reducing the recidivism rates of those who graduated. Three recommendations for future improvement of the program: improving statistical tracking of JDP participants, improving the policing staffing issues, and addressing the usage of less-effective diversion interventions were offered.