GEAUGA COUNTY (OHIO), ANALYSIS OF THE JUVENILE COURT PROBATION DEPARTMENT AND COURT - RELATED JUVENILE SERVICE PROGRAMS

• NCJ Number: 65479
• Author(s): H T RUBIN; J BUTLER
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 45 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-011-78
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; American University
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS REPORT EVALUATES THE JUVENILE COURT PROBATION DEPARTMENT AND COURT-RELATED JUVENILE SERVICE PROGRAMS IN GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO, POPULATION ABOUT 100,000.

Abstract

THE EVALUATION WAS INITIATED BY THE COURT'S CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER WHO REQUESTED LEAA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. CONSULTANTS WITH BROAD EXPERIENCE IN ALL FACETS OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CONDUCTED THE EVALUATION DURING A 3-DAY SITE VISIT TO GEAUGA COUNTY. STUDY METHODS INCLUDED INTERVIEWS WITH JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM PERSONNEL, OBSERVATION OF THE COURT AND ITS ANCILLARY SERVICES, AND EXAMINATION OF COURT STATISTICS AND REPORTS. CASES HEARD BY THE JUVENILE COURT INCREASED 41.9 PERCENT BETWEEN 1970 AND 1977, REFLECTING A SIMULTANEOUS INCREASE IN THE COUNTY'S POPULATION. THE COURT'S CORE SERVICES HAVE REMAINED SMALL, WHILE ANCILLARY SERVICES (COMMUNITY LEVEL INTAKE, AA BOYS' GROUP HOME, AND A RESTITUTION PROJECT) HAVE ENLARGED. MINIMAL COURT STAFFING COMBINED WITH MUSHROOMING PROGRAMS HAVE CREATED PROBLEMS OF FRAGMENTED EFFORTS, SERVICE GAPS AND DUPLICATIONS, AND LACK OF EFFECTIVE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND PLANNING. CREATING A JUVENILE COURT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION WOULD REDUCE THESE PROBLEMS AND BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR DEALING WITH THEM. THIS FULLTIME OFFICIAL SHOULD HAVE THREE MAIN FUNCTIONS: (1) MANAGEMENT OF THE JUVENILE COURT, INCLUDING COURT PERSONNEL AND CASE PROCESSING; (2) COORDINATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS SERVING THE COURT; AND (3) SUPERINTENDENCY OF THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT AND OF COURT-ADMINISTERED JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS. THE CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER OR A PROBATION SUPERVISER SHOULD HANDLE DAY-TO-DAY PROBATION DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION. DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS SHOULD EXPAND TO INCLUDE INTAKE, DETENTION SCREENING, SUPERVISION, AND THE PREPARATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES. THE RECORDKEEPING SYSTEM SHOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED. APPROPRIATE INTAKE SCREENING AND TERMINATION CAN REDUCE THE PROBATION SUPERVISION CASELOAD. DESCRIPTIONS OF CURRENT PROBATION MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS, OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPENDIXES PRESENTING INTAKE GUIDELINES FROM RHODE ISLAND AND WISCONSIN AND A PROPOSED JUVENILE RECORD FACT SHEET ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)