NCJ Number
108313
Date Published
1986
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This guide for parents and citizens explains the nature and extent of the problem of habitual and serious juvenile offenders, discusses the response of the criminal justice system and other institutions, and recommends 10 types of strategies to deal with the problem.
Abstract
Studies of career criminals have shown that the majority of their offenses are committed between the ages of 15 and 25. Thus, the criminal justice system must focus its efforts on juvenile crime, particularly on the small percentage of offenders who commit the majority of serious crimes committed by juveniles. Society does not know how to help these youths, but it does know how to control them, to protect them from themselves, and to protect other children. Recommended local action steps include conducting a self-assessment of a community's juvenile justice programs, developing a formal model program and writing interagency agreements, implementing improved procedures and services in participating agencies and institutions, and developing new public policies and laws. Guidelines for each action step, recommended actions for each type of agency, discussion of 13 common myths about juvenile offenders and their processing, tables, figures, a glossary, and appendixes presenting a community self-assessment instrument and sample letters and other materials. (Author summary modified)