NCJ Number
89133
Date Published
1982
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This evaluation considers the performance of a pretrial program of intensive home supervision for juveniles who would previously have been detained in secure facilities.
Abstract
Under New Orleans's Community Attention Program (CAP), youths admitted to the program are released from detention prior to trial under the close daily supervision of a community attention counselor. All program rules are contained in the contract signed by the youth, counselor, and parent/guardian. Evaluation data were obtained from participant case folders, program records, and quarterly statistical reports, and arrest information was secured from the police department. Evaluation covered operations from program inception in November 1981 through September 30, 1982. Of the 149 participants accepted during the evaluation period, 96 terminated 'successfully,' and 31 were still in the program. The remaining 22 were 'unsuccessful' (14.8 percent). The evaluators attempted to draw a sample group from juveniles who were not accepted by the CAP but whose detention hearing did not result in the final disposition of their case. Because the juvenile court did not grant access to its records, this could not be done. Thus, measuring the relative success of the CAP participants compared to nonparticipants regarding timely court appearance and reduced offenses while awaiting trial was impossible. The program's contact with clients appears to approximate that specified in the grant. Recommendations are offered for improving the measurement of CAP's performance effectiveness. Tabular data are appended.