News Report | December 23, 2020
Iowa Juvenile Justice Advisory Council Considering Recommendation For Statewide Pre-Diversion Programs
The Iowa Juvenile Advisory Council is considering a recommendation from its Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Subcommittee to create a new statewide pre-charge diversion program for youth accused of misdemeanor violations. Currently three communities operate pre-charge diversion programs: Iowa City, Davenport, and Fort Dodge. The goal of the proposed statewide diversion program is to reduce the disproportionate share of minority youth arrested and referred to Juvenile Court Services (JCS). Black youth comprise approximately 7% of all of Iowa's youth, but they are 27% of youth referred to juvenile court. Data collected by the Iowa Department of Human Rights . . .