NCJ Number
98228
Date Published
1983
Length
111 pages
Annotation
This study examined factors contributing to the effectiveness of the Intensive Neighborhood Care Program, a program which attemps to prevent juvenile reoffending by placing young offenders with an Intensive Neighborhood Care Family.
Abstract
The study methodology included examination of existing data, interviews, and structured surveys of welfare workers, service supervisors, and intensive neighborhood care parents. Data were available for 204 young Australian offenders. Analysis of data indicate that the program is being used for cases of greater difficulty than originally intended. Approximately 75 percent of cases involve children who have committed previous offenses and have had previous secure care experience. In the majority of cases, the program is seen as instrumental in improving the child's behavior, particularly in the areas of interpersonal and coping skills. The program was generally characterized by positive dispositions: only about 20 percent of juveniles committed nonminor offenses during the 6-month placement and 40 percent after placement. Behavioral improvements peaked at 6 months and continued after placements were terminated. Placement families tended to come from undisturbed backgrounds and viewed the main objective of the program as provision of a loving and caring atmosphere and a stable environment. They maintained contact with children after termination of placement in about 50 percent of the cases, sometimes up to 2 years postplacement, and continued to advise and help when needed. Relations between placement parents and service providers were positive and enthusiastic, although some problems between parents and welfare workers existed over questions of discipline and parental backup. Appendixes provide additional information on objectives, study methodology, and survey instruments.