NCJ Number
139818
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 64-70
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Recent efforts to implement the Balanced Approach for community supervision of juvenile offenders are examined as a case study of how a new mission statement may be adopted only symbolically or may be used to implement change in an agency.
Abstract
The Balanced Approach, which articulates a clear and distinctive vision, sets forth three practical objectives as part of a revitalized mission for community supervision of juvenile offenders: accountability, community protection, and competency development. The concept of balance, that is, that no one objective takes precedence over any other, ties these three objectives together. Understanding and consistent operationalization of Balanced Approach objectives serves to distinguish those agencies that employ this approach from those who continue with their traditional perspective. Managers who choose to implement the Balanced Approach as a mission statement for juvenile justice reform need to ensure that adoption of the objectives of this statement are translated into action by rethinking internal priorities as well as the relationship between juvenile justice and community organizations. 5 notes and 17 references