NCJ Number
116872
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
To help the juvenile justice system address illegal juvenile drug use, escalating gang violence, missing and exploited children, and the removal of juveniles from adult lockups and jails, the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention developed and funded 21 new programs during fiscal year 1988.
Abstract
Many of these programs will train law enforcement agents, school administrators, social service professionals, and judges and other court personnel to work together in developing coordinated, comprehensive strategies to fight serious juvenile crime. Ten programs were begun to address juvenile drug use, focusing on high-risk youth and on preventing and controlling youth gang drug trafficking. The drug prevention programs are based on the concept that adults, youth, and the community are accountable for illegal drug use. The projects address the factors that place youth at risk of illegal drug use. A discretionary program assists States in planning and implementing strategies for removing juveniles from adult jails and lockups, including the development of appropriate alternative placements. Seven programs were designed to reduce crimes against children, particularly abduction and sexual exploitation, and to improve the response of agencies and organizations that deal with these crimes.