NCJ Number
27697
Date Published
1974
Length
63 pages
Annotation
'AD HOC' PROGRAM EVALUATIONS OF THE CENTRAL ALABAMA YOUTH SERVICES, THE FAMILY COURT OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, AND THE JUVENILE COURT OF BALDWIN COUNTY.
Abstract
THE EVALUATION MEASURE USED TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE BALDWIN COUNTY JUVENILE COURTS WAS THE RECIDIVISM RATE. SITE VISITS, INTERVIEWS, AND DATA FROM THE JUVENILE COURT STATISTICAL CARD WERE USED IN THE EVALUATION. EVALUATORS CONCLUDED THAT THE RECIDIVISM RATE WAS AT AN ACCEPTEBLY LOW LEVEL, THOUGH THERE WERE INDICATIONS OF A SHARP INCREASE IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1974. THE CENTRAL ALABAMA YOUTH SERVICES IS A REGIONAL, COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH JUVENILE PROBLEMS, PARTICULARLY AS RELATES TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES. PROTECT ACTIVITIES ARE DETAILED IN THE THREE MAJOR AREAS OF PROGRAM SERVICES - COURT SERVICES, PREVENTION, AND SUPPORT SERVICES. EVALUATORS CONCLUDED THAT PROGRAM GOALS 'HAVE BEEN SATISFIED FOR THE MOST PART.' RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE IN EACH PROGRAM AREA. A MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY FAMILY COURT IS THE ADJUDICATION AND REHABILITATION OF DELINQUENT YOUTH, THE MAIN GOAL OF THIS EVALUATION WAS TO SECURE DATA ADEQUATE TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OPERATION OF THE FAMILY COURT - PARTICULARLY ITS PROBATION AND DETENTION SERVICES. THE OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF 'EFFECTIVENESS' AND THE METHODS USED TO ASSESS THEIR ACHIEVEMENT ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL. RESPONSES TO TWO STAFF QUESTIONNAIRES COMPLETED BY THE INTAKE WORKERS AND BY THE PROBATION OFFICERS AND AIDES ARE PRESENTED BY QUESTION. DATA FROM THE JUVENILE COURT STATISTICAL CARDS IS ALSO DISCUSSED. COPIES OF STAFF QUESTIONNAIRES ARE INCLUDED IN THE APPENDIX.