Diversion: a central feature of the new child justice system.

Source: (2005) In Traggy Maepa, ed., Beyond Retribution: Prospects for Restorative Justice in South Africa. Monograph no. 111, February. Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, with the Restorative Justice Centre. Downloaded 9 August 2005.

Diversion is not a new practice in South Africa; it has been around in one form or another since the 1990s, however, its use is growing through the implementation of the new child justice system. This article sets forth the levels of diversion and the standards for each level as outlined by the Child Justice Bill. Mbambo notes that it is necessary to have diverse diversion programs, and catalogues the various types of programs that could be implemented under the Bill. Ensuring diversity in these programs is one of the major challenges to successful execution of the objectives of the Bill. Finally, Mbambo suggests points of emphasis in creating these programs, while stressing the importance of promoting restorative justice principles. Abstract courtesy of the Marquette University Law School-Restorative Justice Initiative http://law.marquette.edu/cgi-bin/site.pl?2130&pageID=1831