NCJ Number
48785
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (MAY 1978) Pages: 7-12
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
MODEL FUNCTIONS AND ORGANIZATION FOR THE PROVISION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES WITHIN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE SUGGESTED.
Abstract
PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE JUVENILE COURT ORGANIZATION SHOULD INCLUDE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, RESEARCH AND EVALUATION-RESEARCH, ASSESSMENT (DIAGNOSIS), CONSULTATION (TO JUDGES AND OTHERS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION), AND TRAINING. IDEALLY, PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES SHOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE HIERARCHY OF THE JUVENILE COURT. INHOUSE SERVICES GIVE THE JUVENILE COURT ORGANIZATION MORE PROGRAMATIC AND FINANCIAL CONTROL AND DECREASE THE TIME LAG BETWEEN REFERRAL AND THERAPY. IN ADDITION, AN INHOUSE ARRANGEMENT ALLOWS THE PSYCHOLOGIST TO DEFINE HIS OR HER ROLE PRIMARILY WITHIN THE SERVICE DEMANDS OF THE AGENCY. PROVIDERS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES SHOULD HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO ALL LEVELS OF THE ORGANIZATION, PARTICULARLY TO THE TOP ADMINISTRATION AND THE JUDICIARY. A STAFF RATHER THAN A LINE RELATIONSHIP IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SUCH FLEXIBILITY. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN EACH OF THE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES NOTED ABOVE ARE LISTED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFED--LKM)