NCJ Number
186898
Date Published
1999
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a Toronto (Canada) community-based protocol for children under 12 years old in conflict with the law.
Abstract
Implemented February 1, 1999, the Toronto Centralized Services Protocol for Children Under 12 in Conflict With the Law in Conjunction With the Toronto Police Service established a coordinated procedures with the Toronto Police Service and stakeholders, including child welfare, children's mental health services, school boards, the Toronto Fire Service, and community agencies. This interagency protocol ensures that children under 12 who come into contact with the police for delinquent and aggressive behavior are referred to appropriate services in their own community in a timely manner. This is achieved through a Central Intake Line, a single entry access system operated by Earlscourt Child and Family Centre. Although the police make many of the referrals to the Central Intake Line, they are not the only referral source. The protocol also encourages referrals of children suspected of engaging in criminal activities from the fire department, schools, child welfare, other mental health services, family doctors, and parents. The worker who completes the form during the referral telephone contact is expected to call the family within 24 hours. This call confirms presenting problems, the family's geographical location, and other information provided by the referral source. The worker then establishes a mutually convenient time to meet the child and family in their home to further describe and determine the appropriateness of the program. This report offers recommendations for the development of protocols in other communities. Staff training for the program is also described. 7 tables, 1 figure, 9 references, and appended protocol and referral form