NCJ Number
106598
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1987) Pages: 180,182-183
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A recent evaluation of delinquency prevention programs in Virginia has verified their effectiveness.
Abstract
The philosophy of the programs emphasizes environmental and social causes of delinquency such as quality of family life, peer relationships, and interactions with youth-serving institutions. Locally based youth services boards or commissions provide a mechanism for assessing local program needs and fostering and expanding factors that promote positive life experiences for youth. Some services to accomplish this include overnight shelters, public awareness campaigns on child abuse and neglect, a wilderness program, shelter services for domestic violence victims, youth employment programs, and big brother/big sister programs. Implementations of such programs in Wise County has been associated with decreases in teenage pregnancy and school dropouts. In addition, 22 offices of youth in the State have been involved in such activities as evaluating adult detention of juveniles, coordinating services, and eliminating program duplications.