Final answer:
Diversion programs help prevent the development of criminal careers by providing rehabilitation and restorative justice alternatives to incarceration. These programs address the root causes of criminal behavior and have shown positive effects in reducing recidivism rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diversion programs help prevent the development of criminal careers. They provide an alternative to incarceration and focus on rehabilitation and restorative justice. These programs aim to address the root causes of criminal behavior and offer support and opportunities to individuals to reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
For example, drug courts combine drug treatment and monitoring to help individuals overcome addiction and reduce recidivism rates. Restorative justice programs bring together offenders, victims, and communities to repair harm caused by crime and promote healing.
Overall, diversion programs are cost-effective and have been shown to have positive effects on reducing recidivism, making them an effective tool in crime prevention.