NCJ Number
94255
Date Published
1983
Length
334 pages
Annotation
This book examines the progress of eight Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) demonstration projects in achieving the goal of deinstitutionalization as defined in Section 223(a)(12) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act of 1974.
Abstract
The programs were located in Pima County, Ariz.; Alameda County, Calif.; Connecticut; Delaware; Illinois; South Carolina; and in Clark and Spokane Counties, Wash. DSO was based on labeling and differential association theories. During the 2-year Federal support period, the programs provided services to almost 16,000 youths. In terms of achieving activity levels of some import and of reaching intermediate levels of program acceptance, the DSO projects met their goals. Community leaders appear the best mobilizers of community support. The critical decision point in jurisdictions without legislation mandating deinstitutionalization is in court intake. There is, from the evaluation, no support for retaining secure detention or placement of status offenders. However, DSO failed to reduce recidivism. Most DSO funding did not go into deinstitutionalization. The money went instead towards diversion and prevention activities. Delinquency reduction programs did not work out; there was a small increase in this statistic. DSO publications and dissertations are listed. Chapter notes, a six-page reference list, and an index are included.