Diversion: Where Do We Go From Here?

• Published date: 01 November 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/10439862231189639
• Author: Robert E. Forbis,Lisaann S. Gittner,Jeff A. Dennis,Jerry M. Stott,Jordan T. Giese
• Date: 01 November 2023
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/10439862231189639

Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice

2023, Vol. 39(4) 633 –635

© The Author(s) 2023

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DOI: 10.1177/10439862231189639

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Article

Diversion: Where Do We Go

From Here?

Robert E. Forbis Jr.1, Lisaann S. Gittner2,

Jeff A. Dennis2, Jerry M. Stott3,

and Jordan T. Giese3

Abstract

This conclusion provides a brief synopsis of the research articles presented in this

special edition of The Journal of Contemporary Justice. The research findings clearly

demonstrate that when the objective of diversion is sought by diversion-based

programs where the criminal justice and health care systems intersect, processes

and services frequently break down. As this collection of articles highlights, our

collective understanding of diversion is siloed by academic discipline; thus, the broader

picture of diversion remains muddled. It remains muddled because the reporting of

diversion is scattered across disciplinary journals where a more robust understanding

of diversion becomes unwieldy if not impossible for researchers and practitioners

alike without sifting through multiple books, journals, manuscripts, and websites.

Therefore, diversion will continue to elude efficacy without the coordination and

cooperation of numerous disciplines spanning both the criminal justice and health

care systems diversion. As this collection of articles strongly suggests, there is a need

to create a transdisciplinary understanding of diversion as well as publication outlets

so best practices can be developed and shared in one place.

Keywords

diversion, mental health, criminal justice, interdisciplinary

1Western Oregon University, Monmouth, USA

2Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA

3The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA

Corresponding Author:

Robert E. Forbis Jr., Department of Politics, Policy, & Administration, Western Oregon University,

Monmouth, OR 97361, USA.

Email: forbisr@wou.edu

1189639CCJXXX10.1177/10439862231189639Journal of Contemporary Criminal JusticeForbis et al.

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