NCJ Number
82987
Date Published
1981
Length
89 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the activities of the Massachusetts commission created to examine violent and habitual juvenile crime and presents its legislative and administrative recommendations to combat this problem.
Abstract
The 20-member Governor's Task Force on Juvenile Crime pursued many activities, including a series of hearings held throughout the State in 1981 and research by subcommittees on specific areas within the juvenile justice system. Following a survey of the Task Force's membership and efforts, this report presents its recommendations according to 11 major categories. Juvenile waivers to adult courts are discussed, and a new statute is proposed that allows juvenile courts more latitude in transferring juveniles who commit serious crimes or are habitual offenders. Current Massachusetts juvenile sentencing laws are criticized, and revisions are suggested which create three types of commitments to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) based on seriousness of offense. The Task Force also supports an increase in secure detention and treatment beds and the concept of an individualized treatment plan for each youth committed to DYS. Recommendations on mental health services for juveniles address pretrial evaluations, posttrial clinical evaluations to aid sentencing, and the need for coordinating services to delinquents. The report recommends that the State create a diversion program for first-time offenders since Federal funds for such projects have ceased. Other sections consider improving probation services for juveniles, expanding the juvenile court system, providing specialized training for court personnel handling juvenile cases, and upgrading salaries of direct care staff. The appendixes contain approximately 50 references, a description of the Norfolk County diversion program, and statistical tables.