NCJ Number
120105
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 121-130
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Young Offenders Act (YOA) (1984) in Canada is a relatively new legislation that attempts to "connect" offending youths to appropriate services in the community.
Abstract
The front-line workers who are responsible for identifying and providing services to youths may have one of the most difficult jobs in corrections. A goal of this article is to outline a practice approach for the front-line workers. There are numerous theories that attempt to explain juvenile delinquency. From the many theories, three were chose for closer examination. The three theories are: Childhood Development Theory; Social Control Theory; and Social Learning Theory. These approaches were examined for practice directions related to the tasks prescribed by the YOA. Elements from each of these theories are drawn together to create underpinnings for the proposed practice approach. The choice for a rehabilitative approach is made at the outset of this paper. The tasks of the front-line worker include assessing youths' needs and locating services for these youths. Assessment foci include: the individual youth, the family, the peer relationships, and the youth in school. Special attention is recommended for offering remedial help to youths in social and educational skill development areas. The major practice activity is described as "Matching" youths to services. 49 references. (Author abstract)