Step-Down Strategies (From Jurisdictional Teams: Strategic Planning Master Notebook With Participant Information Enclosed, 2001, NJDA Center for Research and Professional Development, ed. -- See NCJ-190667)

• NCJ Number: 190674
• Author(s): Carl Sanniti
• Date Published: September 2001
• Length: 31 pages
• Corporate Author: National Juvenile Detention Assoc
• Sale Source: National Juvenile Detention Assoc; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This section of the "Strategic Planning Master Notebook" contains the lesson plan for a training workshop module on strategies and techniques for moving both preadjudicated and postadjudicated juveniles into less restrictive or alternative placements when appropriate.

Abstract

The lesson plan describes instructional methods/techniques and lists instructor materials and well as equipment and supplies needed. In outlining the module content, the lesson plan notes that "step-down" is a systematic decision making process that evaluates the youth's risks, needs, and strengths; identifies a placement or detention alternative that fits these evaluations while safeguarding the three goals of detention (public safety, court appearance, and recidivism prevention); and moves youth into a more appropriate, less restrictive setting. Other topics discussed are case tracking and identification, the use of the detention review process, alternative placements, youth awaiting criminal court trial, secure "off-site" facilities, and step-down strategies for post-dispositional youth. Supplementary material for participants includes a paper that describes the components of a strategy for dealing with detention facility overcrowding.