NCJ Number
164788
Journal
Juvenile Justice Update Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: (December/January 1997) Pages: 1,2,8-10
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides an outline of some questions that should be asked in a multi-disciplinary assessment of a juvenile restitution scheme.
Abstract
The assessment should consider whether the statutory scheme is adequate and is followed. This involves determining whether restitution is available as a condition for diversion and whether practice reflects the law. Other issues that might be questioned are whether restitution orders are entered for reasonable amounts, whether restitution must be made within a reasonable time, and when restitution is imposed. In considering how residential programs can facilitate payment of restitution, the assessment might focus on private residential facilities and public institutions. In focusing on how victims are told about restitution, the assessment should address whether the system accomplishes timely notification, what the system does when apparent victims do not respond to a notice, and the content of the victim notification letter. Other issues that might be addressed in the restitution-system assessment are what is done to verify the victim's claim, whether parents can be held responsible for restitution, whether insurance companies can be reimbursed, and whether jobless or impoverished juveniles are subject to restitution requirements. Other issues to be considered are how payments and disbursements are handled and whether restitution information is collected and put to good use.