NCJ Number
18628
Date Published
1975
Length
165 pages
Annotation
FINDINGS OF A YEAR-LONG SURVEY OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS IN 123 COMMUNITIES IN 34 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Abstract
THIS JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN STUDY CITES BRIEF CASE HISTORIES OF JUVENILES WHO HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS EXAMINED IN RELATION TO THE ROLES OF POLICE AND INTAKE OFFICERS, THE DETENTION EXPERIENCE, JUVENILE COURT PROCEDURES, JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, PROBATION, AND VOLUNTEER EFFORTS. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE HANDLING AND TREATMENT OF JUVENILE STATUS OFFENDERS. THREE THEMES EMERGED FROM THE STUDY FINDINGS - THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FALING THE YOUNG, BOTH IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGE ARE POSSIBLE WITH OUTSIDE HELP, AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES HAVE TO BEAR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. REFORMS AND REMEDIES SUGGESTED INCLUDE REMOVING STATUS OFFENDERS FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, ASSURING REPRESENTATION BY COUNSEL, AND MINIMIZING AND LIMITING DETENTION. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS CALLED FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN INSTITUTIONS, MAKING POLICE AND COURT RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL AND EXPUNGEABLE, AND PROHIBITING WAIVER TO ADULT CRIMINAL COURT.