Reforming Juvenile Justice Through Comprehensive Community Planning

• NCJ Number: 218229
• Author(s): Barry Krisberg Ph.D.; Giselle Barry; Emily Sharrock
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 27 pages
• Grant Number(s): 199-MU-FX-K010
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Corporate Author: National Council on Crime and Delinquency
• Sale Source: National Council on Crime and Delinquency
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on April 26, 2007.

Annotation

This paper examines the transformation of the Comprehensive Community Planning model, and addresses lessons learned from the pilot sites, results of the pilot sites, the expansion of the community planning process, and the benefits to the community.

Abstract

The Comprehensive Community Planning process held out the promise of research-based strategies and a greater emphasis on actually reducing youth crime. The model argued for inclusion; a wide range of people working together to solve difficult community problems. Training and technical assistance events created a “safe environment” in which community leaders could explore their concerns and start a process of problem-solving. The experience of the initial communities suggests that there are productive ways in which the Federal Government can interact with and assist local initiatives. It also offers a wealth of experience about how to promote interdisciplinary, multi-agency responses to the needs of the most vulnerable and troubled young citizens. Comprehensive Community Planning consists of a series of approved tools to help communities achieve this vision. In the early 1990s, the juvenile court was under siege and conservative critics declared it a failure. Get tough policies began to sweep legislative forums. However, the principles of the Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders resonated with local sentiment in most communities. Community members wanted research based information and objective information on promising prevention and treatment programs. This paper supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention presents the three pilot sites: Fort Myers, FL; Jacksonville, FL; and San Diego County, CA selected as highly motivated to try this Comprehensive Community Planning approach under the Comprehensive Strategy. It discusses their successes, expansion, and the benefits to the community. References and appendix