Toward an Effective Policy for Handling Dangerous Juvenile Offenders (From From Children to Citizens, V 2 - The Role of the Juvenile Court, P 143-175, 1987, Francis X Hartmann, ed. - See NCJ-106014)

• NCJ Number: 106021
• Author(s): J L Bleich
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Springer-Verlag
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

While a policy that focuses on selective handling of violent and chronic offenders offers several benefits, critics argue that such a policy is incompatible with the philosophy of juvenile justice and political realities.

Abstract

Additional problems lie in identifying dangerous juvenile offenders for specialized treatment or control programs, although past and present criminality appear to be fair and accurate predictors of dangerousness. A further issue concerns whether the identified dangerous juvenile offender should be incarcerated, receive treatment, or both. Four major treatment models are generally used with this population: secure confinement with therapy and behavior modification, highly structured community treatment, training and education programs, and adventure experiences. A review of 15 programs indicates that they have had low runaway rates, have never had a participant commit a serious offense while in care, result in low recidivism (20 percent or less), and are cost effective. Thus, it is possible to provide rehabilitation programs for these offenders with little risk to the community and with proven effectiveness. 118 references.