NCJ Number
187580
Date Published
2000
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This fifth in a series of 12 publications entitled, "Pathways to Juvenile Detention Reform," provides guiding principles and suggested steps for reducing unnecessary delay in juvenile case processing from arrest through placement.
Abstract
This publication, along with the rest of the publications in the series, is a product of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The project's objectives were to eliminate the unnecessary use of secure detention for juveniles; minimize failures to appear and the incidence of delinquent behavior; redirect public finances from building new facility capacity to responsible alternative strategies; and to improve conditions in secure detention facilities. A number of principles were inherent in all of the case processing reforms undertaken by the JDAI sites. First, the end goal is not speed, but rather improved justice; second, custody levels alone should not drive case-processing changes; third, the use of every detention facility bed is worth scrutinizing, and every bed day is worth saving; and fourth, no court hearing should be scheduled without a purpose. There are specific points in processing a delinquency case where unnecessary delay might occur. One chapter in this booklet examines each of these in chronological order, including post-arrest, the initial appearance, pending adjudication, adjudication to disposition, and disposition to placement. Other chapters pertain to system-wide efforts, lessons learned from the JDAI sites regarding reducing case-processing delays, and how to get started in a delay-reduction project. Chapter notes, 7 resources and 4 references