NCJ Number
124921
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 43-57
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The predisposition report (PDR) was conceived as a careful, personal assessment of a youth's social history, with recommendations tailored to meet the individual's needs and situation.
Abstract
In contrast to adult criminal proceedings which have historically been adversarial, punitive, and universalistic, the juvenile court system since its inception has been governed by the principle of "parens patriae" and has sought to act on behalf of youth in whatever manner was deemed most appropriate for each individual. The probation officer's casework and the PDR were crucial elements in this process. Over time, changes in approach have threatened the integrity of the PDR. Interview procedures have been, at times, cumbersome, excessively structured, and led to the rote collection of useless data. Likewise, information has been subjected to personal interpretation and filtered through prejudice or interpersonal conflict. Discussion is included about the relative merits of qualitative and quantitative decision-making. If the ideal of individualized juvenile justice is to be maintained, then enhancement of the PDR is a reasonable goal. 1 table, 1 figure, 11 notes, 104 references, and 1 appendix