Making Youth Pre-Arrest Diversion Work: Lessons for Rhode Island from Los Angeles, Philadelphia and CambridgeContact with the juvenile justice system functions as a negative health exposure, and the trauma of arrest can have long term impacts for youth: students are twice as likely to drop out of high school after being arrested for the first time. In Rhode Island, youth of color disproportionately face the negative impacts of arrest, and the state is poised to take action: The Providence Police Department has called for a formalized system to divert youth from arrest, Rhode Island is rich in public health resources, and youth-led movements have long demanded a shift from responses within the juvenile justice system to community-driven solutions. This thesis examines best practices in the formation, institutionalization, and operation of pre- arrest diversion programs to promote equity in youth health outcomes. A comparative analysis of programs in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Cambridge shapes recommendations for Rhode Island: (i) The health department leads a multi-agency coalition in program development, performance, and resource allocation informed by public health research. (ii) Expertise in meaningful community leadership guides development and implementation. (iii) Program design and data-driven adjustments prevent net-widening and emphasize public health and community- based alternatives. (iv) Agencies coordinate case management to provide holistic care for youth and families.Marcus, BeckicreatorLevitas, Anthonythesis advisorWeber, BenjaminreaderBrown University. Public Policysponsor2020textborn digitalEnglishSenior thesis (AB)--Brown University, 2020Public PolicythesesPublic healthStudent movementsYouthDiversionJuvenile JusticePoliceSystems ChangeIn CopyrightAll rights reserved. Collection is open for research. 10.26300/jm9d-1n07