NCJ Number
19703
Date Published
Unknown
Length
10 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A PROGRAM WHICH INVOLVES COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND USES PROGRAM RESOURCES TO DIVERT JUVENILES (AGE 7-15) FACING ADJUDICATION OR IN NEED OF SUPERVISION FROM FAMILY COURT AND KEEP THEM OUT OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM (NYPD) OPERATES IN A PREDOMINATELY BLACK AND PUERTO RICAN MID-BRONX COMMUNITY CHARACTERIZED BY POVERTY AND RAPIDLY RISING DELINQUENCY AND FOSTER CARE RATES. TWO SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM ARE ITS USE OF ADVOCATES WHO SERVE AS COUNSELORS AND BIG BROTHER'/SISTERS TO THE PARTICIPANT, AND 'THE FORUM,' PANELS OF TRAINED COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WHO HOLD INFORMAL MEDIATION HEARINGS TO AIR THE CONFLICTS AND PROBLEMS OF JUVENILES AND THEIR PARENTS AND TO RESOLVE THEM WITHOUT RECOURSE TO THE COURTS. THIS REPORT DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM'S CASELOAD, STAFF, REFERRAL OPERATIONS, MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND PROGRAM'S FOR EDUCATION, GROUP LIVING, AND RECREATION.