NCJ Number
13740
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1973) Pages: 31-40
Date Published
1973
Length
10 pages
Annotation
EVALUATION OF AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT IN GROUP COURT HEARINGS.
Abstract
COMPLAINTS OF SCHOOL TRUANCY ARE RECEIVED BY THE COURT, AND A SINGLE MASS HEARING IS SET WITH APPROPRIATE LEGAL NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES. AT THE HEARING, THE PARTIES ARE ADVISED OF THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADMIT OR DENY THE CHARGES PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED, AND OF THE COURT ORDER THAT WILL BE MADE IF THE CHARGE IS ADMITTED. SIGNIFICANT PERSONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY SPEAK TO THE GROUP, GENERALLY ABOUT 150 PARENTS AND CHILDREN. THOSE CASES THAT ARE DENIED ARE SET FOR HEARING ON A LATER DATE AND ARE HEARD INDIVIDUALLY. A PARALLEL RESPONSE QUESTIONNAIRE IN WHICH BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENTS REPORT THEIR COURT EXPERIENCES WERE MAILED TO THE 314 PARENTS AND 157 STUDENTS (157 PAIRS), WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE TWO MOST RECENT MASS TRUANCY HEARINGS. 81 PERCENT OF THE PARENTS REPORTED THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEHAVED BETTER SINCE THE HEARING. 99.7 PERCENT FELT THAT THEIR CHILDREN WERE TREATED FAIRLY. 89 PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS FELT THAT THEY HAVE BEHAVED BETTER SINCE THE HEARING, AND 97 PERCENT FELT THAT THEY WERE TREATED FAIRLY.