NCJ Number
148832
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In 1993, the Vermont Governor's Child and Family Council for Prevention Programs (CFCPP) asked the Vermont Center for Justice Research to conduct a project on how to best serve youthful offenders who have been convicted of serious crimes, are at high risk to reoffend, and have a high need for treatment.
Abstract
Youth-serving professionals throughout Vermont were brought together for a series of day-long retreats to discuss the problems of youthful offenders and to develop a comprehensive model for a youthful offender system. The model proposed to the CFCPP is based on two elements: (1) a new, legal youthful offender status; and (2) a comprehensive service delivery system to meet the needs of both youthful offenders and the community. The model stipulates that youthful offenders need to be responsible and contributing community members and to master life skills. Key elements of the proposed service delivery system include youthful offender participation in program plan development, coordination among service providers regarding case planning and case management, service continuity over time, the use of all available resources, and a process for continuous evaluation of system effectiveness. Eligibility and referral criteria for the youthful offender status are examined, as well as legal and administrative considerations. Client population projections for the youthful offender system are provided, and funding and budgeting data are included. Recommendations for statutory change to the youthful offender status are offered.