OREGON CITY, OREGON - ASSESSMENT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT OF THE CLACKAMAS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 45948
• Author(s): H J KOENIG
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 28 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-013-76
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; American University
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RECORDS MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES IS MADE, RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GIVEN FOR STREAMLINING THE MAINTENANCE OF JUVENILE FILES, AND PROBLEMS OF EXPUNCTION WITH INSUFFICIENT CLERICAL HELP ARE EXPLORED.

Abstract

THIS COURT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT WAS CONDUCTED IN JANUARY 1978 AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT. A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CURRENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS PRESENTED, INCLUDING BOTH THE INFORMAL RECORDS WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE A FORMAL CASE UNTIL PETITION IS FILED AND THE LEGAL FILES. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE NUMBERING SYSTEM USED FOR THE LEGAL CASE FILE CONTAIN A CALENDAR-YEAR DESIGNATION AND THAT EACH YEAR START WITH CASE NUMBER 1 (E.G., 79-001-J). IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE FOUR FILE CATEGORIES -- OPEN CASES, CLOSED CASES, AGENCY FILE, AND INCIDENTAL FILE -- BE MERGED INTO ONE ALPHABETICAL FILE WITH ALL REFERRAL PAPERS UNDER THE JUVENILE'S NAME. A CHECKOUT SYSTEM FOR FILES REQUESTED BY COUNSELORS OR OTHER STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. SECURE STORAGE AND TECHNICAL CHANGES ARE RECOMMENDED. EXPUNGING IS BEING DONE AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH OREGON LAW, BUT LACK OF CLERICAL HELP IS MAKING THE TASK DIFFICULT. (GLR)