CHAPTER 11: DIVERSION:
Study Guide: Provide a definition for diversion.
-Section 1 of the CJA defines diversion as diverting “a matter involving a child away from the
formal court procedures in a criminal matter” when there is sufficient evidence to prosecute
the child.
-Diversion aims to reduce and prevent future involvement in crime.
-Diversion entails that children in conflict with the law are kept away from the formal criminal
justice system and ensures that they are successfully reintegrated into society.
-By diverting child offenders, they are protected from the negative effects of the CJS and
prevented from unnecessary stigmatization and having a criminal record.
Study Guide: Give an outline of the objectives of diversion.
-Section 51 of the CJA the objectives of diversion as follows:
Deal with a child outside the formal CJS.
Encourage the child to be accountable for the harm caused by him or her.
Meet the particular needs of the individual child.
Promote the reintegration of the child into his or her family and community.
Provide an opportunity to victims to express their views about the offence’s impact on
them.
Encourage the rendering to the victim of some symbolic benefit or compensation for the
harm.
Promote reconciliation between the child and the person or community affected by the
harm.
Prevent stigmatizing the child and prevent the adverse consequences flowing from
contact with the CJS.
Reduce the potential for re-offending and prevent the child from having a criminal
record.
Promote the dignity and wellbeing of the child, and the development of his or her sense
of self-worth and ability to contribute to society.
Study Guide: Provide a definition for diversion.
-Section 1 of the CJA defines diversion as diverting “a matter involving a child away from the
formal court procedures in a criminal matter” when there is sufficient evidence to prosecute
the child.
-Diversion aims to reduce and prevent future involvement in crime.
-Diversion entails that children in conflict with the law are kept away from the formal criminal
justice system and ensures that they are successfully reintegrated into society.
-By diverting child offenders, they are protected from the negative effects of the CJS and
prevented from unnecessary stigmatization and having a criminal record.
Study Guide: Give an outline of the objectives of diversion.
-Section 51 of the CJA the objectives of diversion as follows:
Deal with a child outside the formal CJS.
Encourage the child to be accountable for the harm caused by him or her.
Meet the particular needs of the individual child.
Promote the reintegration of the child into his or her family and community.
Provide an opportunity to victims to express their views about the offence’s impact on
them.
Encourage the rendering to the victim of some symbolic benefit or compensation for the
harm.
Promote reconciliation between the child and the person or community affected by the
harm.
Prevent stigmatizing the child and prevent the adverse consequences flowing from
contact with the CJS.
Reduce the potential for re-offending and prevent the child from having a criminal
record.
Promote the dignity and wellbeing of the child, and the development of his or her sense
of self-worth and ability to contribute to society.
