NCJ Number
10538
Date Published
Unknown
Length
35 pages
Annotation
COURT AND DETENTION DATA FOR 1971 PROVIDE A PICTURE OF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DETENTION POPULATION SO THAT FUTURE PROGRAMS CAN ALLEVIATE OVERCROWDING.
Abstract
THIS DOCUMENT PRESENTS THE DATA COLLECTED IN THE STUDY AND DESCRIBES SOME PERTINENT PROGRAMS WHICH HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. A DISPROPORTIONATE PERCENTAGE OF JUVENILE STATUS OFFENDERS IS DETAINED IN COMPARISON TO THE COURT'S OVERALL DETENTION RATE. SINCE JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IS OFTEN DUE TO FAMILY DISCORD, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT JUVENILE OFFENDERS BE DIVERTED TO AN APPROPRIATE FAMILY COUNSELING UNIT AT THE INTAKE STAGE. FAMILY COUNSELING IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN OFFICIAL COURT PROCESSING AND ALSO REDUCES JUDICIAL CASELOADS. ANOTHER DETENTION ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTED IS A HOME DETENTION PROGRAM IN WHICH AN OFFENDER IS RELEASED UNDER INTENSIVE HOME SUPERVISION. THE DETENTION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS MAY NOT BE NECESSARY AT ALL, AND A REEVALUATION OF DETENTION CRITERIA AND FACILITIES IS RECOMMENDED.