While the relationship between juvenile transfer and recidivism has received much scholarly attention, the effect of transfer on other outcomes has largely been ignored. This study examined the effect of transfer on 7-year educational and employment outcomes, with time in the community and perceived stigma as hypothesized mediators. Pathways to Desistance data were analyzed with propensity score matching and mediation analysis. Transfer to criminal court strongly predicts lower employment outcomes, fully mediated by diminished time in the community. Transfer also marginally predicts higher educational outcomes. Education results call for further research, and employment results suggest that transfer policies should be revisited.

Youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods have been found to have greater rates of justice system involvement than other youth, as well as differential treatment at multiple points in the justice system process. This neighborhood disproportion stems from different rates of lawbreaking and system bias and has important implications for long‐term negative outcomes associated with juvenile justice contact. Clarity in the state of knowledge on this topic is essential to guide researchers and policymakers in addressing this critical issue. Toward these ends, we review the literature on neighborhood disproportion in juvenile justice contact, suggest directions for continued inquiry, and discuss policy implications.