NCJ Number
156596
Editor(s)
K M Hazlehurst
Date Published
1995
Length
260 pages
Annotation
In recent years, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have experienced developments in the prevention and treatment of indigenous crime that have embodied new trends toward greater self-determination by native people; this book reports on some of the more significant experiments and reforms of the last two decades.
Abstract
It provides descriptions of programs, assessments of their impact, and advocacy for further change. The bringing together of a diverse group of contributors is a recognition of rapidly proliferating links and an international awareness of common interests. Based on the presentations in this collection, solutions for indigenous communities are apparently taking a three-pronged approach: justice service delivery, community- healing approaches, and crime prevention action. In the area of justice service delivery, paraprofessional development and program indigenization help to introduce alternative justice and diversionary options into, and greater equality under, the formal criminal justice system. The judicial role of community forums -- such as tribal courts, family conferences, and conflict- resolution techniques -- represent a major effort to reinstate customary law and traditional procedures. Community-healing approaches involve a range of psychosocial programs aimed at rehabilitating individuals and whole communities; they include programs in family life skills, alcohol detoxification treatment and training, and support groups for victims and perpetrators of abusive behaviors. Crime prevention action includes the diversion of identified offending groups, particularly youth, away from offending by making constructive activities more attractive than criminal activities. Popular programs include work-skills and employment training, arts, culture and dance programs, outdoor recreation and sports, community festivals, and social events. Chapter references and notes and a subject index