NCJ Number
136397
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes three programs selected by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as exemplary and suitable for State and local replication; they are community-based programs that involve and assist families of juveniles.
Abstract
"Targeted Outreach," which is a delinquency intervention program operated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, recruits young people identified by clearly defined criteria as at-risk and directs them into core program activities. The activities are designed to promote a sense of belonging, a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, and a sense of power or influence. The "Court Appointed Special Advocates" program is designed to ensure the courts are familiar with the needs of any neglected or abused child. The advocates are trained in the juvenile justice system, State and Federal child abuse laws, child development, the social service delivery system, and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect. Volunteer advocates are appointed by judges to conduct independent investigations of children's circumstances and recommend to the court the placement and treatment that serves the child's best interests. "Permanent Families for Abused and Neglected Children" is a training and technical assistance project of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. This project is designed to prevent unnecessary foster care placements, reunite children already in foster homes with their families, and facilitate permanent adoptive homes when reunification is not practical.