NCJ Number
213997
Date Published
2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This chapter investigates the effectiveness of both traditional and nontraditional community interventions for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
According to recent statistics, juvenile probation is a central component of the juvenile justice system. The authors describe the process of juvenile probation supervision, including the social history investigation conducted after a juvenile has been adjudicated and aspects of aftercare and counseling. Current trends in community supervision are discussed, such as the balanced approach that requires the system to consider the needs and rehabilitation of the juvenile offender as well as the need for community safety. Another approach that juvenile justice often takes is a punitive approach, often described as a get tough stance particularly in terms of the “toughening” of juvenile probation. On the other side of the coin are restorative justice models and peacemaking models that emphasize the juvenile’s responsibility for repairing the harm done to society. These models are described, as is another recent juvenile justice trend - community justice, which is based on the premise that the community has a responsibility to deal with criminal offenders by allowing offenders to make amends to victims and enabling them to access support and treatment services. Research on the effectiveness of juvenile probation, related sanctions, and treatment interventions is presented followed by a discussion on the continuing concerns regarding community corrections for juvenile offenders. Six discussion questions help focus classroom discussion and assignments. Key terms are listed. Boxes, table