NCJ Number
148659
Date Published
1993
Length
42 pages
Annotation
The Victims and Witnesses in the Juvenile Justice System Development Program is sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to develop and test model approaches to serving victims and witnesses of juvenile crime.
Abstract
Initiated in 1987, the program consisted of four distinct stages: (1) assessment stage to evaluate practices involving and knowledge about victims and witnesses in the juvenile justice system; (2) prototype development stage to develop model program designs based on successful existing programs; (3) training and technical assistance stage to encourage the implementation of model approaches; and (4) testing stage to pilot the implementation of model approaches. Based on an empirical study of eight juvenile victim assistance programs, a resource guide was developed for juvenile justice policymakers and victim assistance providers that describes model approaches and provides guidelines for structuring and implementing programs. This guide identifies a core program structure encompassing orientation to the juvenile court and process, assistance to victims who testify, crisis intervention, the provision of information about case status and outcome, victim compensation and restitution, victim participation in the juvenile justice process, property return, information and referral, and education and training. The guide also addresses witness coordination and support and postadjudication services for victims. Programs in Georgia, New York, and Pennsylvania are described, and accomplishments of pilot programs are noted. 2 tables