NCJ Number
46272
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1976) Pages: 345-352
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A HOME-BASED DETENTION PROGRAM USING INDIVIDUAL PROCTORS WHO PROVIDE DELINQUENT GIRLS WITH DAY-TO-DAY CARE PENDING COURT APPEARANCES IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
TO IMPROVE THE INITIAL CONTACT WITH GIRLS COMING INTO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE NEW BEDFORD (MASSACHUSETTS) CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE BEGAN A PROGRAM BASED ON THE USE OF PROCTORS -- SINGLE YOUNG WOMEN WHO PROVIDE IN THEIR OWN HOMES ON A CONTRACTUAL BASIS, THE DAILY CARE OF YONGSTERS BEING DETAINED. THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAMILY PATTERN, WHICH HAD SO MANY UNPLEASANT CONNOTATIONS FOR THE GIRLS. THE IMMEDIATE GOALS WERE TO ASSURE THE APPEARANCE IN COURT OF THE GIRL AT THE APPOINTED TIME, STOP NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR, ENHANCE SELF-ESTEEM, AND REDUCE RECIDIVISM. BROAD OBJECTIVES WERE TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY LIFE BY IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOUTHS AND PARENTS, INCREASE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, AND PREVENT OR REDUCE INSTITUTIONAL CARE. THE PROCTOR'S ROLE IS A COMBINATION OF TASKS USUALLY ASSIGNED TO SOCIAL WORKERS AND CHILD CARE WORKERS, BUT HER DUTY IS CONCERNED ONLY WITH THE INDIVIDUAL, RATHER THAN A GROUP. RECRUITMENT WAS SELECTIVE AND LOCALIZED THROUGH REFERRALS FROM YOUTH-SERVING COMMUNITY AGENCIES. EACH OF THE NINE PROCTORS FUNCIONS AS AN INDEPENDENT, SELF-EMPLOYED SUBCONTRACTOR WHOSE TASK AND REMUNERATION ARE OUTLINED IN THE AGREEMENT. THE PROCTOR PROVIDES NOT ONLY PERSONAL SERVICES, BUT BEDROOM SPACE AND TELEPHONE, TRANSPORTATION, FOOD, AND PERSONAL NEEDS FOR THE YOUTH. REIMBURSEMENT REFLECTS TWO ELEMENTS PERSONAL SERVICE; AND ROOM, BOARD, AND INCIDENTALS. INSERVICE TRAINING OVER A 3-DAY PERIOD IS GIVEN TO ALL NEW INCOMING PROCTORS. THE PROCTOR PROGRAM OFFERS THE YOUNGSTER A GREAT DEAL OF SPECIAL ATTENTION, MAKING UP FOR PAST DEPRIVATION; IT ALSO INCULCATES POSITIVE LIFE STYLES AND A VARIETY OF CULTURAL, RECRETIONAL, AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN TO MOST OF THE GIRLS. AS OF AUGUST 1975, THE PROGRAM HAD REACHED 80 GIRLS. THE IMMEDIATE AND BROAD OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED. ONLY SIX GIRLS DID NOT RETURN TO COURT ON TIME. THE POSITIVE ATTITUDES OF THE GIRLS HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMING. THE GOAL OF STRENGTHENING FAMILY LIFE WAS SUCESSFULLY APPROACHED, EVIDENCE OF WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GIRL AND PARENTS AND IN THE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS WHO HAVE RETURNED HOME. IDENTIFICATION WITH PROCTORS POINTS TO HEALTHY GOALS FOR ADULTHOOD. MORE TIME IS NEEDED TO ASSESS ANY EFFECT ON RECIDIVISM. THE MAJOR AREA WHERE PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO EXIST IS IN DEVELOPING LONG-TERM PLANS FOR THE YOUNGSTERS AND IN RAISING THE LOW EXPECTATIONS OF MANY PROFESSIONALS FOR JUVENILES. (DJM)