NCJ Number
83310
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are presented from an evaluation of a project designed to develop a coordinated, comprehensive approach to divert youth from the Milwaukee County, Wis., juvenile justice system and refer them to community-based social service agencies.
Abstract
The program intended to increase the capability of existing community youth agencies to provide the following alternatives for diverted youth: family support services, supplemental and alternative education, career training and work exposure, public service opportunities, and personal development experiences encompassing programs in the fine arts and wilderness survival. A systematic sampling of clients from the program's start until about 6 months prior to the start of the evaluation was drawn from the client files (n=179), and a control group was developed by assigning youth to a nondiverted group randomly. A questionnaire administered to clients was designed to obtain client perceptions of the program and program effects on clients in the areas of attitudes, perceptions, and behavior. A total of 75 (41.9 pecent) clients completed the questionnaire. In reviewing the behavior of clients, it appears they were initially more delinquent than control group members. After receiving program services, they tended to commit fewer or essentially the same number of offenses as nondiverted youth. There was no notable difference in the kinds of offenses allegedly committed by youth upon initial referral to the program and those committed after receiving services. Recommendations include (1) the promotion of programs for youth who have committed more than one and less than five offenses; (2) the development of youth-to-youth advocacy, using former clients; (3) work with agencies that have an ability to adapt to the changing demands of clients; (4) the provision of integrated rather than fragmented services; and (5) the avoidance of case overload. Tabular data and the questionnaire are provided.