NCJ Number
84698
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1982) Pages: 48-56
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes and compares the decisionmaking process, the severity of decisions, and the recidivism reflected in presentence reports of master's level mental health professionals (social workers and psychologists) and bachelor's level probation officers in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The employment of mental health professionals moved the court away from a legalistic decision model, where punishments were tailored to the seriousness of past and present delinquent behavior, and resulted in more severe case dispositions for offenders. Furthermore, the professionals' input did not produce less recidivism. Thus, increased intervention should be avoided unless benefit is clearly demonstrated. Several topics are suggested for future research relating to professionals' input in the juvenile court decisionmaking process. Study data and 20 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)