NCJ Number
121448
Date Published
1989
Length
200 pages
Annotation
Youth Assistance is a community-based juvenile diversion program designed to aid youths ages 7 through 16 who are displaying asocial or criminal behavior.
Abstract
Delinquent youths are systematically moved through a series of activities designed to alter their behavior and permanently divert them from the Juvenile Justice System. Program activities include behavioral contracts, assignment to a volunteer mentor, participation in life skills classes, assignment to work-service (restitution), and other specialized services like tutorial assistance, job placement, and court sentencing observations. Participation in the program is voluntary, free, and confidential. Referrals are accepted from police, juvenile court, schools, and individuals. However, the largest percentage of participants are police referrals. Referral sources receive an evaluation letter regarding the youth's progress after eight weeks and following the youth's discharge from the program. Citizen involvement is an important aspect of Youth Assistance. Volunteer citizens serve as volunteer mentors and also assist in collecting research data and tutoring. Youth Assistance has a research design incorporated into the program intake, progress, and followup forms which enables each community to gather valuable data regarding program effectiveness and recidivists' profiles.