NCJ Number
69670
Date Published
1968
Length
43 pages
Annotation
A differential treatment model was used to classify, in terms relevant to treatment, 53 youths on probation in one New York county.
Abstract
The study aimed to characterize youth in terms of maturity and developmental stages, compare their characteristics with those of institutionalized delinquents, and indicate treatment needs. The study was part of the planning phase of a project entitled 'Police Pilot Project for Youth: Development of Improved Strategies for Early Identification and Handling.' Models used for classification included the Community Treatment Model (CTP) proposed by Warren and others and the Conceptual Systems Change Model. The CTP model had been to be effective for adjudicated delinquents available for both assessment and treatment, but its feasibility for nonadjudicated delinquents had not been determined. The present study's subjects were all in various points of postarrest processing. Subjects were interviewed and given several written tests including the paragraph completion test, Jesness inventory, conceptual level questionnaire, and Preston Sentence Completion Test. Results showed that the distribution of classifications via the CTP model was generally similar to that observed in two California samples of institutionalized youth. The CTP model was more userful than was the conceptual systems model for the present problem. Some recommendations are, that (1) current treatment resources be classified in terms of appropriateness for the CTP model; (2) a simpler from of classification be used when only simple treatment options are available; and (3) police officer training in classification be correlated with points at which the officer makes a decision about the youth. Tables, 20 references, and appendixes presenting data collection instruments are included.