Is diversion the appropriate emphasis for South African child justice?

Diversion is central to the aim of achieving a South African child justice regime that is compliant with constitutional and international obligations. Future plans for South African child justice are dependent on large numbers of child offenders being diverted. This article presents research suggesting that although diversion from court in South African child justice improves the treatment of many children, it will continue to exclude large numbers of children from the most progressive interventions. The research suggests that the practice of diversion will exclude persistent and serious offenders, and raises questions about whether it is appropriate for advocates of reform to place such an emphasis on diversion.