NCJ Number
107235
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 47-56
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
In action-oriented research, both the quality of the research and its utility will be enhanced by closer interaction between investigators and juvenile justice practitioners.
Abstract
By involving practitioners in action-oriented research, both before the study framework is established and when the conclusions have been derived, investigators can increase both the validity and the practical applicability of their work. Practitioners can suggest hypotheses for study and offer alternative explanations of findings based on their experience. The research itself should be designed with a view to its connection to practice and possible programmatic implementation. Examples of action-oriented research include investigation of national trends in delinquency, examination of the causes and correlates of delinquency and delinquent career patterns, and the evaluation of strategies for preventing and treating family violence and child sexual exploitation. Other studies have examined national data on juvenile caseflows, juvenile justice (police, courts, corrections) policies and practices, and the impact of delinquency-related legislation. Others have focused on evaluating innovative treatment programs and the effectiveness of juvenile justice alternatives, such as diversion and deinstitutionalization. 1 note.