NCJ Number
100093
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1985) Pages: 43-47
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the adaptation of community-based correctional programs that involve intensive supervision and services for juvenile offenders to inner city neighborhoods where existing social, welfare, religious, and fraternal organizations could assume interventional roles.
Abstract
Recent studies have confirmed that somewhat intrusive interventions can effectively reduce juvenile crime and recidivism without institutionalization. Other research has shown that inner city neighborhoods are using their own resources to deal with delinquent youth and the disproportionate representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system. It seems probable that delinquents could more readily adapt to the influence of a new group and new norms if that group consisted of familiar people with common interests. In contrast, the traditional community-based corrections system has no positive ties to the neighborhood and is not identified as part of the community. One example of a physically restrictive yet noninstitutional program is home detention wherein caseworkers visit juvenile clients three or four times a day and personally contact parents, teachers, and employers. There is no reason why indigenous community organizations could not perform such roles, as well as counsel youth, organize recreational activities, and make sure offenders appear in court. 11 footnotes.