When a juvenile is placed in diversion, what does it imply about their status?

When a juvenile is placed in diversion, it indicates that they have not been adjudicated as delinquent. The diversion process is designed to redirect juveniles away from formal court proceedings and the juvenile justice system, typically offering them alternatives to adjudication, such as counseling, community service, or educational programs. This approach acknowledges that while the juvenile may have engaged in behavior warranting intervention, they are not formally labeled as delinquents in a court of law. The goal of diversion is to provide the youth with the opportunity to correct their behavior without the lasting stigma of a delinquent adjudication, which can have significant implications for their future.

The other options are inconsistent with the concept of diversion. Being convicted would suggest a formal legal finding of guilt, while being pending trial implies that the legal process is ongoing. Completing a sentence indicates that the juvenile has already faced consequences imposed by the court, which also does not align with the diversion process.