Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program Learning Lab
The Department of Youth Services (DYS), in partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), launched a Youth Diversion Learning Lab on October 21, based on recommendations from a *2019 report from the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board (JJPAD), DYS established Diversion Coordination Programs in Worcester County (Family Continuity), Middlesex County (NFI), and Essex County (Family Services of Merrimack Valley) with the eventual goal of making the program available statewide if the model proves effective.
*Improving Access to Diversion and Community-Based Interventions for Justice-Involved Youth
- Diverting youth from formal processing by the juvenile justice system can be an effective intervention strategy.
- Juvenile justice decision-makers across the Commonwealth are increasingly aware of the importance of diversion, and more and more decision-makers are establishing diversion practices.
- There is wide variation in diversion policies and practices across the state, and an opportunity to improve outcomes by adopting evidence-based practices.
- We do not currently collect the data that would be needed to fully understand or assess our current diversion system(s).
- The current structure of our diversion system likely contributes to systemic inequities.
- Although Massachusetts devotes significant funding to behavioral health and youth services, juvenile justice system practitioners see distinct gaps in the availability of community-based interventions for justice-involved youth.
- More infrastructure support is needed to effectively connect youth with services that do exist and overcome barriers.
What are the Goals of the Diversion Learning Lab?
The Diversion Learning Lab program model was developed with the following goals in mind:
- Reduce the likelihood of future offending by youth in the program and increase public safety
- Hold youth responsible for their actions
- Support positive youth development (PYD)
- Promote and ensure equity in the process
How Was the Diversion Program Model Developed?
Over the past year, the JJPAD Board’s Community-Based Interventions Subcommittee has met to discuss program design principles. This Committee is led by the OCA and includes representatives from DYS, the Juvenile Court, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, CPCS, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Probation, DCF, DMH, DPH, the Children’s League of Massachusetts, Citizens for Juvenile Justice and the Parent Professional Advocacy League.
The OCA has drafted a “Model Program Guide” based on these discussions, with significant review and editing from committee members. LINK
DYS is using this Model Program Guide as a starting point for the Diversion Learning Lab, recognizing that the guide was developed based on the best available research and with the input of a wide variety of stakeholders. DYS also recognizes that in some cases, program details may need to be modified based on feedback from referrers and service providers. The program model is not static; it will also need to shift based on “lessons learned” over time.
How Will DYS Work with Current Diversion Programs?
Currently, many District Attorneys run their own diversion programs, as do some police departments. For many years, some court clerks have practiced diversion informally and starting in 2018, judges were also given the authority to divert youth pre-arraignment for some charge types.
The Diversion Learning Lab Program will be open to referrals from any referrer in each location, within any legal limits (see M.G.L Ch. 119 § 54A). Participation in the program is voluntary, and participating referrers retain their authority to make decisions about whether or not to refer a given youth to the program. Local referrers (police, clerks, DAs, judge) may decide to coordinate on referrals in each area, but that is not required.
Who Will be Eligible for Diversion?
Youth can be referred to the Diversion Program for any delinquency case an eligible referrer considers appropriate (within legal limits). The program will be equipped to work with youth of a variety of risks and needs, including those with substantial needs or complex situations.
What Services Does MYDP Learning Lab Diversion Provide?
When a youth is referred to the Diversion Program, the following steps will happen:
- The Diversion Coordinator will begin the intake process, which will include interviewing the youth and their family, conducting a YLSI/CMI risk/needs assessment and MAYSI, developing an individualized, evidence-based case plan, and Diversion Agreement.
- If the youth sign the Diversion Agreement, the Diversion Program will connect the youth with in-house and local services, tailored to the needs and circumstances of each youth. While supporting the youth and their family in overcoming barriers to accessing those services. In some cases, the Program will provide the services directly; in others, they may connect the youth to other community service providers. As needed, the Diversion Program will support the youth and their family in connecting to state services (e.g. MassHealth) that can help fund treatment programs or otherwise support the family.
- The Diversion Program will provide ongoing monitoring and active case management support, as needed, to ensure youth are adhering to the Diversion Agreement and have the supports they need to be successful.
The Diversion Program will communicate with the original referrer to provide updates on the case as needed. If the youth does not complete their Diversion Agreement, or if the Program becomes aware the youth has been arrested or summoned to court on a complaint, the Program will communicate that information to the referrer.