New study finds 53% of diverted youth reoffend within two years.
SEATTLE — King County is pausing felony referrals to a youth diversion program after a new independent study revealed more than half of participants went on to commit another crime within two years.
The report, commissioned by King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, found a 53% recidivism rate among juveniles referred to the Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) program following low-level felony offenses. In response, Manion said her office will suspend all felony referrals to the program pending further review.
“We think it’s important that King County diversion programs be effective, improve recidivism rates,
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