ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the apparent periodisation of diversion in youth justice, with the emergence of substantial criticism of its impact with linked evidence indicating a significant 'net-widening' effect. Following the rapid growth in the number of juvenile liaison schemes in the 1960s, diversion naturally became a much more prominent feature of policing and decision-making in the criminal justice process. By the early 1970s, certainly, diversion had assumed a degree of prominence in the range of disposals applied to young people who came to the attention of the justice system for committing crimes. And, it is likely that it was this increasing role which, in turn, prompted renewed interest amongst researchers and policymakers. Undoubtedly, Ditchfield's study played an important part in generating a significant rethink of the use and impact of police cautioning, in respect of both adult and juvenile offenders.
