Evaluation Finds Deferred Prosecution Program Keeps Youth Out of Court and Lowers Recidivism
The Juvenile Justice Collaborative’s (JJC) Care Coordination Program for Deferred Prosecution was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce a backlog of juvenile court cases in Cook County. Instead of moving youth through the court system, the program connects participants to community-based services tailored to their individual goals and needs. Chapin Hall’s evaluation shows that the program helps youth engage in services, avoid prosecution, and experience lower rates of recidivism compared to similar peers who are not offered the program.
What We Did
Chapin Hall evaluated outcomes for 144 youth referred to the program between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, during the first year of its expansion supported by the Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, and Lurie Children’s Hospital with American Rescue Plan Act funds. Chapin Hall analyzed program and court data to assess participation and outcomes, compared participants with a matched group of eligible youth not referred due to limited capacity, and conducted interviews with youth to understand their experiences and perceived impacts.
What We Found
- High engagement: 97% of youth completed intake and 99% connected to at least one community-based service.
- Program success: Over 85% graduated and 89% had their charges dropped, avoiding 125 prosecutions.
- Lower recidivism: Only 18% of participants had a new charge within 12 months, compared to 28% of the matched comparison group.
- Youth voices: Participants described feeling supported and encouraged. One shared, “They reminded me that everyone makes mistakes, but I can’t let the mistakes make me.”
What It Means
The findings show that community-based care coordination reduces court involvement and promotes youth well-being. Deferred prosecution agreements can help youth access needed supports while avoiding deeper involvement in the justice system. Future evaluation efforts will explore long-term outcomes, center youth perspectives, and assess strategies to sustain the program’s success.
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