PhD on diversion practices in child justice systems across Europe

September 2019 – ongoing
Client/Partner: Institute of Criminology KU Leuven

My PhD research aims to explore in depth and systematically the gaps that exist between the normative ‘description’ of diversion and its reality in practice, shedding a light on what diversion is, as opposed to what it should be.

With this research I want to explore the actual features and purposes of diversion practices in different youth justice systems, in two main steps:
1. Systematic mapping of the heterogeneity of diversion across EU (27+UK)
2. In-depth analysis of two/three case studies, to assess the actual mechanisms and real effects of different diversion practices in terms of access, process and outcome (and in particular in terms of net-widening, discrimination, proportionality and presumption of innocence safeguards).

Under the supervision of Prof. Pleysier and Prof. Put, currently I am in the full rolling-out of phase 1: the survey has been launched, involving one or more child justice expert from each EU country.

If you are interested and want to know more about the survey and the research, check the brief research summary or contact me.