NCJ Number
85509
Date Published
1981
Length
99 pages
Annotation
This report on a survey of victims of juvenile crime in Pennsylvania presents findings on victims' attitudes toward their treatment by the criminal justice system and services received to mitigate the consequences of victimization.
Abstract
Those surveyed had generally been victimized between July 1, 1980, and December 31, 1980. The survey sought information on the nature of the crime, the extent of loss, recovery of loss, restitution, experience in juvenile court, and satisfaction with the police, probation office, court, and the system in general. Out of 7,365 questionnaires mailed throughout the State, 1,430 complete responses were received. Restitution was found to assist victims in recouping their losses and improving satisfaction with all aspects of the juvenile justice system, although many victims did not receive anticipated reimbursement because of the problems juveniles have in earning money to pay restitution. Appearance in juvenile court increased victim satisfaction with the system; however, the more time a victim spends with the system, the more dissatisfied he/she tends to become. Knowledge of the outcome of the case increases the victim's satisfaction, and the more fully victims perceive that they understand the juvenile justice system, the more satisfied they are with it. Restitution programs should be expanded and systematized, and at least one person from each county juvenile probation office should attend a workshop on victim-witness services presented by a nationally recognized group. Ideally, each county should develop a victim/witness service unit which would assist victims and witnesses in both juvenile and adult courts. Materials used in the study are appended, and tabular data are provided.