NCJ Number
80854
Date Published
Unknown
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Ways in which the criminal justice system in Connecticut can respond to the problems presented by the serious juvenile offender are discussed in this executive summary of a report prepared by a task force organized by the Connecticut Justice Commission.
Abstract
The task force was formed in 1978 to define serious offenses, determine the nature and scope of serious juvenile crime, explore current methods of handling the problem and possible alternatives, and recommend policies and program options. A serious offense was defined as a felony offense involving the use of violence or force or the immediate danger of personal harm. Included were the major crimes of homicide, kidnapping, assault, sexual assault, arson, and robbery. A total of 443 juveniles were referred to the juvenile court in 1976 for serious offenses. These youths represented 4.9 percent of the juveniles referred to the court that year. In 1977, 3.3 percent of all juveniles referred were referred for serious offenses. Although juvenile delinquency jurisdiction ends at age 16 in Connecticut, the task force focused on 16-and 17-year olds as well as younger persons. The task force concluded that, in serious cases, the juvenile justice system should be modified to address the necessary concern for community safety. It was recommended that an accused serious juvenile offender designation be created in the juvenile justice system beginning at the point of police referral. In addition, an adjudicated serious offender disposition should be created in juvenile court to permit longer and more secure sanctions on adjudicated serious offenders as well as stronger rehabilitative efforts. Bindover of dangerous offenders to adult courts should be expedited. The potential misuse by 16- and 17-year olds of youthful offender and accelerated rehabilitation options should be prevented. A review commission should be created to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. Detailed recommendations within each of these major recommendations are presented. Members of the task force are listed. For the full report, see NCJ 80855.