NCJ Number
116343
Date Published
1979
Length
42 pages
Annotation
In developing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Congress cited a lack of effective program coordination as one of the major weaknesses of Federal juvenile delinquency prevention efforts.
Abstract
Accordingly it established the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) within LEAA to serve as a focal point for all Federal juvenile delinquency activities and to improve overall coordination of related programs. A review of subsequent coordination and information dissemination efforts indicates that not much progress has been made. OJJDP has not effectively evaluated and reported on delinquency programs, and annual reports have been of little value in providing a comprehensive picture of efforts. LEAA funded few interagency projects, and OJJDP has seldom used its funds transfer, joint funding, and waiver authority. The National Advisory Committee for OJJDP has had little impact on program policies and priorities, and the Coordinating Council has not met regularly and has not received adequate staff support. While LEAA was given responsibility for providing information on the treatment and control of juvenile offenders, such information is still lacking. Moreover, plans to develop a separate juvenile justice information clearinghouse should be reassessed to determine if existing ones could be used. Recommendations for improvement of the current situation are provided. A response to the report is appended. (Author abstract modified)