NCJ Number
59037
Date Published
Unknown
Length
109 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES AND EVALUATES NEW YORK CITY'S ALTERNATIVES TO SECURE DETENTION PROJECT DESIGNED TO DIVERT JUVENILES FROM THE COURT SYSTEM AND AVOID THEIR UNNECESSARY DETENTION IN SECURE FACILITIES.
Abstract
THE PROJECT, FUNDED BY NEW YORK STATE AND BY CITY AGENCIES, ALSO AIMED TO REDUCE THE COURT SYSTEM'S CASELOAD, TO AVOID SECURE DETENTION'S DAMAGING EFFECTS ON CHILDREN COMMITTING NONCRIMINAL ACTS, AND TO AVOID THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH DETENTION. SPECIFIC PROGRAMS INCLUDED PROVIDING PRECOURT INTENSIVE SERVICES TO DIVERT JUVENILES FROM THE JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM AND PROVIDING SUPERVISED DETENTION RELEASE AND DAY-EVENING CENTERS AS ALTERNATIVES TO SECURE DETENTION. MOST CHILDREN SERVED WERE 13 TO 15-YEAR-OLD MINORITY GROUP MEMBERS. THE PROJECT MET ITS CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT REGARDING STAFF AND SERVICE PROVISION BUT DID NOT SUCCEED IN MAKING DAILY VISITS TO THE HOMES OF CHILDREN RELEASED UNDER SUPERVISION. DUE TO DATA INSUFFICIENCY, THE PROGRAM'S EFFECT ON RECIDIVISM RATES WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE. PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS REMAINING IN THEIR OWN HOMES FAILED TO KEEP THEIR COURT APOINTMENTS LESS OFTEN THAN DID THOSE LIVING AWAY FROM THEIR HOMES IN TEMPORARY BOARDING HOMES AND NONSECURE GROUP LIVING ARRANGEMENTS. ALMOST THREE QUARTERS OF THOSE LIVING AT HOME KEPT THEIR COURT APPOINTMENTS. MALES AND THOSE OVER 13 HAD LOWER INCIDENCES OF NONAPPEARANCE THAN DID FEMALES AND THOSE UNDER 13. THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG RACE, TYPE OF OFFENSE, AND APPEARANCE IN COURT ARE ALSO DESCRIBED. TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WHICH INCLUDE REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)