NCJ Number
122849
Date Published
1989
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This study by the Chicago Bar Association describes the juvenile justice system in Cook County and recommends ways to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Juvenile Court, enhance the staff work of agencies within the court system, and improve the ability of the Court and other social service agencies to address the problems of troubled youth.
Abstract
The Juvenile Court is authorized to handle cases of youth who are delinquent; minors requiring authoritative intervention; and those who are addicted, truant, abused, neglected, and dependent. If a child in a troubled home or school environment does not fit into one of these categories, social service agencies may offer help to the family. Whenever possible, families should be offered services before being referred to the Juvenile Court, such as family preservation efforts, alternative dispute resolution, and out-of-court management of status offenders and delinquents. The report describes court administration issues such as caseloads, inadequate and unfriendly space, cooperation between independent public departments and agencies, and related jurisdiction. Although the Court was recent recodified, the report notes areas in which further legislative action should be taken. The Court can identify troubled families and refer them to services, but has little or no control over interactions between those families and the service-providing agencies, a situation which has led to unnecessary court involvement and poor management of many cases. Finally, the report emphasizes the responsibility of the legal community to institute improvements in the county's juvenile justice system. 6 appendixes.