A systematic review evaluated 11 studies, which showed that this type of redirection does not generate reductions in recidivism when compared to similar cases that are processed through the regular criminal justice system for adolescents and young offenders or through other redirection programs. That same review examined potential moderators of the magnitude of the effect of these interventions and found that the duration of the follow-up period was an important moderator. Short follow-up periods (less than 12 months) were related to strong, positive effects, while longer follow-up periods (12 months or more) were related to negative effects. This suggests that although Juvenile Courts may be effective to reduce recidivism in the short term, these effects do not seem to be sustained in the medium/long term (they do not seem to last longer than a year) [1].
Another review evaluated 14 studies and compared young people who participated in Juvenile Courts with those who were formally prosecuted (regular system) or were referred to other types of programs (community service or police referral). This review found no statistically significant effects on any of the program modalities [2].