NCJ Number
9900
Journal
Hastings Law Journal Volume: 22 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1971) Pages: 1127-1153
Date Published
1971
Length
26 pages
Annotation
CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR INTAKE DECISIONS AND AN EVALUATION OF THEM IN LIGHT OF THE PURPOSES OF INTAKE IN THE JUVENILE PROCESS.
Abstract
COMMUNITIES USE DIFFERENT CRITERIA TO DETERMINE THE CASES SUBJECT TO INFORMAL DISPOSITION. THE PURPOSE OF THE INTAKE SCREENING PROCESS IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE JUVENILE COURT HAS JURISDICTION, WHETHER THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE, AND WHETHER THERE IS A SUFFICIENTLY SERIOUS OFFENSE INVOLVED. ANOTHER FUNCTION PERFORMED BY THE INTAKE OFFICER IS THE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER REFERRAL OF THE CASE FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD. THE ARTICLE DISCUSSES A COURT DECISION IN WHICH THE LACK OF SPECIFIC INTAKE CRITERIA IN JUVENILE COURT LAWS WAS BEING CHALLENGED. IN THIS FIELD STUDY, THE AUTHORS EXAMINED THE RECORDS OF BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL DISPOSITIONS. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT INTAKE UNITS, IN GENERAL, AND IN AFFLUENT COUNTIES, HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN MAKING APPROPRIATE DECISIONS ABOUT THE COURT'S JURISDICTION AND LACK OF EVIDENCE, BUT THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IS MORE COMPLEX WHEN 'SERIOUSNESS' AND DISPOSITION ARE THE PROBLEMS.