NCJ Number
115793
Date Published
1989
Length
109 pages
Annotation
This document details legislative proposals to strengthen and reform laws governing the operation of California's juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The study alleges that previous attempts to reform the juvenile justice system have been piecemeal. It is argued that the system be revised so that accountability, teamwork, consistency, and efficiency function at every level of operation. Reforms are proposed for several areas, including making minors accountable for their behavior by making certain that they face consistent consequences. Parents should be involved and accountable from their child's first offense through courtroom hearings. Delinquency prevention policies and strategies are also proposed, as is the increased professionalization of juvenile court staff. Schools should be made an equal partner in the juvenile justice system, and there should be interagency coordination at the county level for juvenile justice planning and oversight. New procedures should be developed for dealing with status offenders. Serious, violent, and repeat juvenile offenders should be transferred to adult court. Appropriate model legislation is supplied to implement the proposed reforms.