NCJ Number
188353
Date Published
January 2000
Length
254 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated three Illinois juvenile day reporting centers.
Abstract
The study evaluated the Christian County Extended Day Program, the Peoria County Anti-Gang and Drug Abuse Unit, and the Winnebago County Day Reporting and Assessment Centers. All three centers provide some services delivered by probation staff and contract with providers for more advanced clinical services. Programming options include behavior management groups, a life skills curriculum, and parenting classes. Each county targeted for service those offenders in their probation caseload considered to be the higher risk offenders. In addition, Winnebago County's assessment center provides a central drop-off point for youths taken into police custody. The report summarizes each of the three programs and recommends that program planners and implementers: (1) search for ways to encourage staff stability and to institutionalize the positive contributions of current staff to program integrity; (2) develop clear policies regarding sanctions associated with program violations; (3) examine additional ways in which positive behavior or success can be acknowledged or rewarded and publicized; (4) facilitate greater employment opportunities for youths in their program; (5) examine all possible mechanisms for encouraging greater parental participation; and (6) consider providing officers in the Peoria County Anti-Gang and Drug Abuse Unit access to varied types of safety training and allowing those officers greater discretion in the choice of safety equipment. Notes, figures, tables, references, appendixes