NCJ Number
137500
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1992
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the origins and purposes of the juvenile court, the duties assigned to the court by the legislature, the role of the juvenile court judge, and the current and future challenges and potential future responses of juvenile court judges.
Abstract
The analysis concludes that the juvenile court is a crucial institution that should be maintained and strengthened so that it can accomplish the tasks the legislature has assigned it. However, many changes are needed to assure its effectiveness. First, the court must have a clearly stated legislative purpose. Second, it must have sufficient status and authority to accomplish its goals. Third, the role of the juvenile court judge must be recognized by all the juvenile court; the agencies serving it cannot alone solve the problems facing children and families. Although the juvenile court must have a leadership role, the entire community must join the efforts to support children and preserve families. Footnotes