NCJ Number
196
Journal
Reader's Digest Dated: (APRIL 1968)
Date Published
1968
Length
5 pages
Annotation
REPORT DESCRIBES THE ACTIVITIES OF 'PROJECT MISDEMEANANT' IN WHICH VOLUNTEERS ARE WORKING WITH JUVENILE DELINQUENTS TO KEEP THEM FROM BECOMING TOMORROW'S CRIMINALS.
Abstract
IN 1960, ROYAL OAKS, MICHIGAN BUDGETED $17,000 TO IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM OF VOLUNTEERS AS PROBATION SPONSORS, TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH PRE-SENTENCE REPORTS ON THE MISDEMEANANT'S BACKGROUND, PSYCHIACTRIC HELP, AND VARIOUS COUNSELING SERVICES. AFTER AN 18 MONTH STUDY, PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS SHOWED THAT 77 PERCENT OF THE GROUP SHOWED IMPROVED SOCIAL ATTITUDES. TO DETERMINE FEASIBILITY OF THE VOLUNTEER SYSTEM IN LARGE CITIES, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MADE A GRANT OF $156,000 FOR A PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF FOR A TWO YEAR TEST IN DENVER. THE DENVER PROJECT CONCENTRATED ON YOUNG REPEATERS. THIS REPORT GIVES AN IN-DEPTH CASE HISTORY OF ONE REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE. IN DENVER, THE NUMBER IN JAIL DROPPED FROM MORE THAN 1000 TO LESS THAN 600 IN 1968. THIS REDUCTION WAS IN PART ATTRIBUTED TO THE NEW PROBATIONARY SERVICES. PRELIMINARY SUCCESS IN DENVER HAS LEAD TO ACTION IN OTHER LARGE CITIES SUCH AS SEATTLE AND SALT LAKE CITY.