Final answer:
Key criteria for entering a diversion program may include a previous criminal record, an admission of guilt, and age requirements, aligning to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Criteria for entering a diversion program often include a range of factors. The most common factors considered are the defendant's previous criminal record, an admission of guilt, age, and sometimes the nature of the crime. While not typically based on gender, age requirements are common to ensure the program fits the life stage of the offender, with juvenile diversion programs focusing on younger individuals. Diversion programs align with the broader rehabilitation approach within criminal justice which seeks to transform an individual into a law-abiding citizen and can be more effective than punitive measures, like incarceration, in reducing recidivism. Diversion programs may involve components such as therapy, counseling, community service, or educational and vocational programs. The assessment of a rehabilitation program's effectiveness often considers the benefit-cost ratio, which is to say, the benefits of the program to society should outweigh the costs of administering it.