NCJ Number
59198
Date Published
1978
Length
151 pages
Annotation
THE JUVENILE DEFENDER OFFICE OF THE DETROIT, MICH., LEGAL AID AND DEFENDER ASSOCIATION, A NONPROFIT CORPORATION, IS DOING AN EFFECTIVE JOB IN A DISMAL JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. LOW PAY IS THE MAJOR PROBLEM.
Abstract
MOST OF THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED ARE PROBLEMS INHERENT IN THE WAYNE COUNTY JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM. AN ATTORNEY IS OFTEN NOT APPOINTED UNTIL WEEKS AFTER ARRAIGNMENT IF THE DEFENDANT IS NOT INCARCERATED. WHEN A JUVENILE IS TRANSFERRED TO ADULT COURT, AN ADULT PULBIC DEFENDER IS APPOINTED AND OFTEN LONG PERIODS ELAPSE WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. THE JUVENILE DEFENDER OFFICE HAS AN OVERWHELMING CASELOAD BUT LAW STUDENTS AND PARAPROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL ARE WELL-USED TO HELP MEET THE DEMAND. THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS A SALARY SCALE FAR BELOW THAT PAID TO WAYNE COUNTY PROSECUTORS, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT AND KEEP COMPETENT PEOPLE. SALARY LEVELS SHOULD BE INCREASED AND PROVISIONS MADE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE OFFICE. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICES, THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, A FORMAL ORIENTATION POLICY FOR NEW STAFF MEMBERS, AN OFFICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, AND CASE ASSIGNMENTS MADE ON THE BASIS OF EXPERTISE, CASELOAD, AND PRIOR CONTACT WITH THE JUVENILE. ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO PROVIDE SOCIAL WORK FOLLOW-THROUGH DURING THE PROBATION PERIOD AND FOR APPELLATE AND LAW REFORM ACTIVITIES ALSO SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. APPENDIXES CONTAIN STATISTICS, SALARY SCALES, AND STUDY DATA. (GLR)