NCJ Number
90520
Date Published
1983
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examines preventive criminological diagnosis in Israel, specifically with respect to juveniles, as well as the battery of diagnostic tools and services used with offenders.
Abstract
Intervention to provide help for juveniles deemed to be at risk of becoming delinquents is a major component of Israel's social control system. The basis for such intervention is no more vague or definite in Israel than in most Western European countries. Prevention programs include the use of street-gang workers, who spend 3 to 4 days and nights per week with street gangs getting to know the members and helping them to develop bonds with normative social structures and values. Other preventive programs include social work with girls having at-risk lifestyles, interdisciplinary teams that work with students identified as having problems at school, and youth vocational rehabilitation centers. The probation service for juveniles conducts diagnoses of clients with a view toward providing the services needed by each individual. The presentence investigation is used in Israel, and a major point in the criminal justice process is the medicolegal evaluation of the offender's sanity. The separation of the mentally abnormal accused from society before trial is considered desirable. Israel has some, but not enough, observation and classification facilities. The classification of inmates is determined by demographic data, type of offense, and method of treatment. The weakest link in the Israeli penal system is the lack of suitable parole services. Supervision and treatment elements are limited to semivoluntary programs for adults and an aftercare service for juveniles. Fourteen notes are provided.