NCJ Number
142860
Date Published
1991
Length
63 pages
Annotation
The Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force presents recommendations designed to ensure that all juvenile justice components in the State, the counties, and the courts are guided by common principles and achieve the same high standard of excellence; the recommendations encompass juvenile processing from arrest to discharge.
Abstract
Regarding arrest, intake, and referral, the task force recommends standardized assessment techniques, contact with the juvenile's family as soon as possible after arrest, and an immediate preliminary assessment of the case. Specialized police juvenile units should be trained in current law, juvenile justice system operations, and the developmental aspects of preadolescence and adolescence. A single organization unit should be responsible for the intake process on a 24-hour basis. Recommendations on juvenile detention emphasize expanded alternatives to secure detention, speedy processing, short-term care, and detention centers with a high quality of programs and services for juveniles. In the area of assessment and case management, each juvenile's case should be managed by a trained juvenile probation officer to develop, implement, and modify the treatment plan; ensure progress toward the identified goals; and reduce fragmentation in the service delivery system. Adjudication and disposition recommendations focus on the tailoring of dispositions to the needs of each juvenile and a regular review of dispositions. Regarding treatment for juveniles, the task force envisions a treatment/services system with access to all public and private services needed by each juvenile. Victim services will reflect the meeting of victim needs as prescribed by the Bill of Rights for Crime Victims, including assistance with victim impact statements at disposition, assistance with restitution, and victim notification of offender release. Recommendations are also offered for systems management.