NCJ Number
146859
Date Published
1992
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This report highlights the successes and the difficulties encountered by the Family Ties program in New York City in its first 18 months.
Abstract
The Family Ties program began operation in January 1989 with a staff of seven. Its purpose is to avert placement of adjudicated juvenile delinquents in the New York State Division for Youth facilities. Referrals to Family Ties are granted by a judge after a determination of an exploration of placement is made. Its counselors work with clients for 4 to 8 weeks, during which time the case is adjourned, then makes a recommendation to the court 2 to 3 days before disposition. The New York City Department of Probation Community Service Sentencing Project received all clients who successfully completed Family Ties. From February 1989 to June 30, 1990, 96 referrals were made to Family Ties. Of these, 71 (74 percent) were accepted; of the 71, 46 (65 percent) received probation at disposition. Family Ties recommended probation in 63 percent of its cases, and continued exploration of placement in 37 percent. Four cases are profiled in this report. Family Ties saved the city and State a total of $2,399,523--approximately $70,000 per child per year. 4 tables and 2 appendixes