NCJ Number
5026
Date Published
1971
Length
90 pages
Annotation
THE JUVENILE COURT OF COLUMBIA, MISSOURI REPORTS ON THE FIRST YEAR OF ITS SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM OF VOLUNTEER PROBATION OFFICERS.
Abstract
FACED WITH AN INCREASING PROBATION CASELOAD AND LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES, THE COURT BEGAN A PROGRAM OF VOLUNTEER SUPERVISORS TO PROVIDE THE INTENSIVE PERSON-TOPERSON CARE AND SUPERVISION NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATIVE EFFORT. THE JUDGES AND COURT STAFF GAVE THEIR FULL COOPERATION AND SUPPORT TO THE PROGRAM. A COORDINATOR FOR THE PROGRAM WAS SELECTED AND VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING EX-OFFENDERS WHO HAD MADE SUCCESSFUL ADJUSTMENTS, WERE SOLICITED FROM THE COMMUNITY. THIS REPORT DETAILS THE PROCEDURES USED IN RECRUITING, SCREENING AND TRAINING THE APPLICANTS, AS WELL AS THE VOLUNTEER'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COURT AND THE CHILD. VOLUNTEERS WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COURT'S PROFESSIONAL STAFF GUIDING AND SUPERVISING THE CHILD AND HIS FAMILY. THE PROCEDURES USED BY THE COLUMBIA PROJECT FOR MATCHING CHILD AND VOLUNTEER AND MONITORING THEIR RELATIONSHIP ARE DISCUSSED. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND JUVENILE OFFENDERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT ARE PRESENTED IN TABULAR FORM, AND THE SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR THE COLUMBIA VOLUNTEER COURT OFFICERS, IS REPRODUCED.