Source: (2012) International Social Science Review. 87(3&4):102- 126.
Offering diversion programs, such as the Juvenile Arbitration Program (JAP), alleviates
the financial and personnel strains on a congested justice system. Solicitors prosecuting
cases against juvenile offenders represent thousands of juvniles annually, yet only 27% of
public defender offices throughout the United States employ an ample number of attorneys to
meet client needs.^ Additionally, 87% of public defender offices lack the financial resources
to retain full-time investigators to assist attorneys in interviewing witnesses, gathering
relevant information in cases involving juvenile offenders, and providing general support to
the defense (e.g., locating addresses and other contact information for witnesses and being available to public defenders to assist them as needed). As a result, attorneys often lack the
necessary resources to prepare an effective argument on behalf of their juvenile clients. (excerpt)
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