NCJ Number
110819
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the juvenile justice system in Santa Clara County, Calif., concluded that a diversion approach that will avoid risk to the community is the most appropriate way to reduce the juvenile justice system population without compromising community safety and to improve services to the juveniles remaining in the system.
Abstract
Overcrowding caused by overclassification in the county's juvenile hall has significantly limited both programming and cost-effectiveness. The county faces costly and large caseloads in the hall, in juvenile court, at its three ranches, and on probation. The county also faces litigation related to juvenile justice. Reducing the population in juvenile hall will improve the environment for those still requiring secure custody. Reducing the population and remodeling the living units will foster improved programming and enhanced mental health and education services. The three types of minors eligible for diversion are those who have not committed serious crimes or who are status offenders and who meet various other release criteria. The recommended model for programming will provide treatment services at intake rather than later and will aim to involve and reunify the family as an alternative to detention. Figures, tables, 26 references, and appended information on crime categories and juvenile diversion through counseling.