NCJ Number
128717
Date Published
1990
Length
95 pages
Annotation
This report covers the progress of the New York State Division for Youth to develop and implement specialized services in response to Chapter 50 of the Laws of 1989. The underlying premise of this report is that specialized programs work.
Abstract
From July through December 1989, 80 percent of the youth admitted to the Division were identified as being in significant need of one or more of the following special services: substance abuse services (58 percent), special education (33 percent), mental health services (29 percent), sex offender services (8 percent), specialized health services (7.5 percent), bilingual education (4 percent), and mental retardation services. A variety of special initiatives are in development which are targeted at improving youth behavior and competencies, lowering recidivism rates, and reducing costs of care. Key initiatives include the design of an integrated counseling approach, training program staff to address substance abuse, and sex offender treatment. This report contains three evaluation studies: education, pre-employment, and a follow-up study. By coupling targeted treatment interventions with structured program evaluation, the Division will be able to more effectively shape and measure positive youth development.