NCJ Number
91488
Date Published
1982
Length
188 pages
Annotation
This document reports the process and impact evaluation study of the Burnaby Youth Services Program (British Columbia, Canada), youth and family counseling service attached to the local police department.
Abstract
The program accepts referrals of minor delinquent and potentially delinquent youths under age 14 and through early intervention short-term family counseling techniques, promotes better family relations, improves youths' behavior, and prevents or reduces involvement by the youths in delinquent activities. Evaluation data were collected from client records; administrator and staff interviews; followup interviews with clients who had completed the program; and interviews with social services administrators, school principals, 20 general duty police, and general investigation officers. In addition, assessment of family interaction and youth behavior before and after program intervention was conducted on 10 youths and their families who received more intensive counseling. A comparison group of 23 youths criminally involved in a neighboring community were studies to determine whether client outcomes were a direct result of program intervention. Results indicated that the program has provided substantial assistance to some families and youths and have been instrumental in preventing repeat involvement by some youths in delinquent activities. Although program benefits have been hampered by a less than totally supportive police and community services environment, program staff are taking steps to remove barriers between the program, the police, and other agencies. Recommendations include locating the program in the police building to increase opportunity for police and social worker interaction. Tabular data and 11 references are provided. Study instruments and other materials are appended.