NCJ Number
11476
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: (MAY 1973) Pages: 28-33
Date Published
1973
Length
6 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF SAN DIEGO STUDY SHOWING THAT PRE-ADJUDICATION DETENTION IS NOT NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE PUBLIC SAFETY.
Abstract
THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT'S EFFORT TO DIVERT 'INCORRIGIBLE' AND RUNAWAY CHILDREN FROM THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE CURRENT TREND TOWARD DECRIMINALIZING THESE OFFENSES OR NARROWING THE JURISDICTION OF THE JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM, WHICH TENDS TO TREAT THESE 'PRE-DELINQUENTS' IN MUCH THE SAME MANNER AS IT DOES THE YOUTHFUL CRIMINAL. AS AN ALTERNATIVE, YOUTH SERVICE BUREAUS WHICH PROVIDE COUNSELING AND OFTEN LODGING WITHOUT THE PENAL ATMOSPHERE, HAVE BEEN CREATED IN RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION, WHICH FAVORED SUCH AN AGENCY OVER THE OFFICIAL MACHINERY OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR THE HANDLING OF WHAT ARE PRIMARILY FAMILY PROBLEMS. AGENCIES SUCH AS THE DOOR OF HOPE AND PROJECT OZ HAVE ALSO COME INTO BEING IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES TO JUVENILE HALL DETENTION. FROM AN EMPIRICAL POINT OF VIEW OF THESE PROGRAMS HAVE HAD A FAVORABLE IMPACT ON THE DETENTION RATE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)