NCJ Number
222383
Journal
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 195-220
Date Published
April 2008
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This article presents a synopsis of the antecedents and consequences of efficiently processing juvenile cases.
Abstract
Findings reveal that although many antecedents have been identified, the degree to which many of these factors cause case-processing delay and compromise the quality of case- processing in the juvenile justice system has not been verified through empirical research. As is highlighted, more research has been conducted on adult than juvenile case-processing. Many systematic, juvenile justice official-specific and interagency factors are associated with inefficient juvenile case-processing. Some systematic antecedents include the lack of case-flow and differentiated case management systems, policies and procedures, strict continuance policies, and the underutilization of diversion. The lack of training and education on issues related to case-flow management, case-flow management systems, and case-processing time reduction initiatives also impedes efforts to reduce case-processing time. Concerning juvenile justice official-specific barriers, there appears to be positive associations between efficient case-processing and the lack of prosecutorial experience, training, and case preparation and the underutilization of diversion alternatives. Factors which have been found to be related to the compromise quality of juvenile case-processing include the assignment of counsel late in the stages of case-processing; a lack of legal representation, experience defending juveniles, education, and training; and high caseloads. High probation caseloads and limited number of staff may also be related to the quality of case processing; probation officers cite these issues as reasons why they are unable to make frequent contacts with juvenile probationers. Notes, references