NCJ Number
190544
Date Published
November 1999
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This guide spotlighted 20 community-based programs that had proven to be effective in dealing with low-risk juvenile offenders and achieving significant declines in juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
Through a grant from the State Justice Institute and an advisory team of judges and community leaders this Guide to Community-Based Alternatives for Low-Risk Juvenile Offenders was produced offering research and in-depth interviews with 20 program administrators. The methodology for this project was to determine “what works,” programs proven effective and successful at meeting the needs of low-risk juvenile offenders. In addition, it was an effort to provide juvenile court judges and magistrates with the necessary tools to reduce the distance between themselves and the community. Specific criteria were developed in the selection of effective low-risk juvenile offender programs including: (1) a formal program structure; (2) measurable outcomes; (3) a program assessment or evaluation; (4) outcome or assessment study; (5) stated objectives; (6) a responsible government agency or entity; (7) formal recognition by the court; (8) emphasis on reintegration and reentry services; (9) enriched educational and vocational programming; (10) a variety of forms of individual, group, and family counseling matched to youths’ needs; (11) opportunities for success and development of a positive self-image; (12) youth bonding to pro-social adults and institutions; (13) program components adapted to the needs of individual youth; and (14) simultaneous, systemic focus on all aspects of youths’ lives. Most community service programs are implemented to provide ordinance violators, status offenders, first-time offenders, and minor offenders an alternative. The primary participants are youthful offenders who have committed offenses that the court feels can best be handled by accomplishing community service. This guide is a detailed outline of program administrators, structure, funding criteria, oversight, evaluation, and more. In addition, a table cross-referencing program component provides details concerning the types of interventions and services that each program offers and its primary intervention category.