Reducing Youth Arrests: Prevention and Pre-Arrest Diversion

The report can be accessed at: Reducing Youth Arrests. The Reducing Youth Arrests report argues that youth arrests cause long-term harm and disproportionately impact marginalized groups. It calls for replacing punitive approaches with prevention and diversion strategies that promote positive youth development. Key recommendations include improving family and community supports, creating safe and inclusive school environments, reducing unnecessary police contact, and investing in community-based diversion programs that are culturally responsive and confidential. The report highlights successful examples such as major reductions in school arrests in Baltimore and Los Angeles and warns against “net-widening,” urging equity, oversight, and youth involvement in program design to ensure fair and effective alternatives to arrest.