One approach to handling juvenile offenders is the diversion of youth away from formal contact with the juvenile justice system. A diversion program implemented in Adams County, Colorado, is described here. Objectives were to reduce court caseloads, lower recidivism rates, lessen the net of social control, and permit rigorous evaluation. (GC)

Notes that fear of apprehension and punishment have been reported to suppress juvenile crime. Discusses suppression effect in regard to the correlates of chronic juvenile delinquency and exploratory evidence that youth who commit large volume of crime do not fear sanctions imposed by juvenile court any more than youth who commit only one offense…

This report presents a comparison of characteristics of youth authority wards committed from 1975 to 1984 in California. Data for first commitments is offered for four offense categories: (1) violent offenses; (2) property offenses; (3) narcotic and drug offenses; and (4) other offenses. Major shifts in characteristics are highlighted at the…

This document contains a report by the House of Representatives' Committee on Education and Labor concerning the bill H.R. 1801 to amend the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1989 through 1992. Included in the report are an introduction, a discussion of committee action, an…

The Juvenile Justice Standards developed by the Institute of Judicial Administration and the American Bar Association reflect a trend away from the therapeutic aspect of the juvenile court and toward due process for juveniles accused of delinquent offenses. (Author/MJL)

Following an analysis of the major forces for institutional change confronting the juvenile courts, and a review of recent federal and state responses likely to promote further modifications in the present system, the author discusses a modified system capable of accommodating demands for basic alterations of juvenile justice. (Author)

This "Voices of Pioneers" section of the journal highlights the work of Jane Addams, who founded the settlement house movement in America with the establishment of Hull House in Chicago in 1899. Presents excerpts from Addams' book "The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets (1909)" to illustrate her views on guns, stealing,…

This document describes three options for a statewide statistical system for tracking recidivism of juvenile delinquents placed outside their homes in treatment programs. The information is intended for use by the state in allocating resources. The options described involve potential use of juvenile court records, placement data, and/or…

Presents a family therapy model for working with "no problem problem" families of first offense adolescent substance abusers. Illustrates applications of this model through a case example. Describes the model as a practical therapy approach that is present- and future-oriented and seeks to build on family strengths. (Author/ABB)

Examines issues surrounding detention of young people in Westchester County, New York, as the county attempts to deal with the increasing number of juveniles. Discusses length of stay, violation of the "least restrictive principle" and negative effects. Concludes that new statutory criteria must be developed for the admission of youths to secure…

This document contains several essays on topics of interest to researchers of rehabilitative efforts. The subjects covered include an historical look at chronic delinquents and their treatment programs; a review of West European programs; legal constraints on intervention; a review of evidence concerning biological contributions to criminality and…

Community-based programs in the juvenile justice system present a promising alternative to the disappointing results achieved by large institutional facilities. A diverse group of states has found that intensive, individualized services provided in small, family-like residential settings or in the juvenile's own home yield comparable or reduced…

Considers dilemma of juvenile and family court judges who decide whether it is in best interest of abused and neglected children to remain with parents or whether foster care or other substitute placement is necessary. Discusses changes in federal and state legislation over past decade. Includes views of children who have been in foster care. (NB)

This document gives the findings and recommendations of a study designed to identify interventions which can reduce the criminality of chronic juvenile offenders. The findings presented should be of interest to researchers and practitioners who are attempting to devise methods of reducing the crimes of chronic offenders that are more effective and…

Although geographically specific, this report is intended to serve as an educational resource for community, agency, and legislative personnel regarding the impacts created by revised legislation about children and the approaches used to improve the quality of justice for young people and their families. It is based on changes made in the juvenile…