Juvenile Diversion: An Outcome Study of the Hamilton County, Ohio Unofficial Juvenile Community Courts
By Victoria Simpson Beck, Robert J. Ramsey, Judge Thomas R. Lipps, and Lawrence F. Travis III

Abstract: An overall goal of juvenile diversion programs is to deinstitutionalize and decriminalize minor types of delinquent behavior by minimizing penetration into the justice system. Proponents of juvenile diversion programs have argued that diversion programs provide additional services to youths; and since diversion programs are less stigmatizing, they may restrain the escalation of delinquency. Nonetheless, many diversion programs are never analyzed. This study describes and presents outcome data from a diversion program in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Advancing Competency Development: A White Paper for Pennsylvania
By Patricia Torbet and Douglas Thomas

Abstract: One of the fundamental purposes of Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system is to develop "competencies" in delinquent youth. But what does that mean? Why is it important? How is it done? The White Paper, originally published in 2005, attempted to answer those questions, articulating basic principles and identifying research-supported practices for competency development, the least understood of the three balanced and restorative justice goals. Practitioners and policy makers in other states who are interested in helping juvenile offenders acquire the knowledge and skills they need to become productive, connected, and law-abiding community members will find it directly relevant.

Asking the Right Questions: Utilizing a Judicial Checklist to Track the Educational Success of Youth in Foster Care
By Susan A. Weiss, Debbie Staub, Paula Campbell, Sophia I. Gatowski, and Melissa Litchfield

Abstract: Asking about the educational objectives for children in foster care has not been a priority in most juvenile and family courts. Research has shown that compared to the general school population, children in foster care have lower grade point averages, change schools more frequently, earn fewer credits toward graduation, and are more likely to be placed in special education programs. In response, Casey Family Programs, in collaboration with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges' Permanency Planning for Children Department, developed a Judicial Checklist with key educational questions to be asked from the bench. The Checklist has become a useful tool for juvenile and family court judges when assessing the effectiveness of current educational placements of the children who come before their courts, tracking their performance, and in making a positive future impact on their educational outcomes.

In My Opinion - Respecting Parent and Child Representation in the Legal Profession
By Judge Chris Melonakis