NCJ Number
52665
Date Published
1977
Length
27 pages
Annotation
AN ALTERNATIVE TO OHIO'S JUVENILE JUSTICE STRUCTURE IS OFFERED AND A PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION IS DRAWN UP. THIS PROPOSAL INVOLVES COMMUNITY INTERVENTION AT AN EARLY STAGE OF DELINQUENCY AND REMEDIAL EFFORTS.
Abstract
THE PLAN WAS DEVELOPED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION OF THE OHIO COUNCIL OF CHURCHES. IT UTILIZES INTENSIVE COUNSELING FOR FAMILIES OF TROUBLED YOUTH, INTENSIVE REMEDIAL EDUCATION PROJECTS, NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS TO HELP SUPERVISE YOUTHS IN TROUBLE, INVOLVEMENT OF THE FORMAL JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ONLY FOR THE MOST SERIOUS OFFENSES, AND COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. IT IS BASED ON A NUMBER OF BIBLICAL INJUNCTIONS PLACING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TRAINING OF YOUTH IN THE HOME AND THE COMMUNITY. THE HEART OF THE PROPOSAL INVOLVES PHASING OUT TRAINING SCHOOLS EXCEPT FOR A FEW YOUTHS WHO CANNOT BE REACHED ANY OTHER WAY. A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM IS DESCRIBED WHICH WOULD USE NEIGHBORHOD VOLUNTEERS TO RESOLVE AS MANY JUVENILE OFFENSES AND INFRACTIONS AS POSSIBLE AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD LEVEL. EX-OFFENDERS ARE SEEN AS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT PART IN SUCH NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS. AN ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE IS DRAWN UP WHICH PLACES GREATER DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IS OUTLINED, AS IS A PLAN FOR PRESENTING THIS PROPOSAL TO THE PUBLIC. (GLR)