CALIFORNIA - THE ROLE AND FUTURE OF THE YOUTH AUTHORITY A REPORT OF THE CPPCA (CALIFORNIA PROBATION, PAROLE AND CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION) SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE FUTURE OF THE YOUTH AUTHORITY - JULY 1978

• NCJ Number: 59698
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 117 pages
• Corporate Author: California Probation, Parole and Correctional Assoc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE CALIFORNIA YOUTH AUTHORITY (CYA) IS REVIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY TO CHILDREN IN TROUBLE AND PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC FROM CRIME BY YOUTH.

Abstract

THE REVIEW WAS CONDUCTED BY A CALIFORNIA PROBATION, PAROLE, AND CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE. FIVE SOURCES OF INFORMATION WERE USED: HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE CYA; ATTITUDINAL RESEARCH SURVEY, BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE OF ASSOCIATION MEMEBERS AND CONTACTS WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES; DIALOGUE WITH LEADERS OF THE CYA; AND MONITORING OF LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS. SUBCOMMITTEES WERE FORMED TO DETERMINE PROPER FUNCTIONS, ROLES, AND PREMISES OF THE CYA; WHAT NEEDS SHOULD BE FILLED BY STATE OR COUNTY AGENCIES; AND WHAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT SHOULD FULFILL NEEDS IF SOME ARE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE CYA. THEY ALSO REVIEWED JUVENILE COURT LAW AND THE YOUTH AUTHORITY ACT, AS WELL AS CYA BUDGETS FOR PRIOR YEARS AND RESEARCH DOCUMENTS PROVIDED BY THE CYA. THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS, ACCOMPANIED BY COMMENTARY, ARE MADE REGARDING THE CYA: (1) REVISE THE YOUTH AUTHORITY ACT TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE SERVICE POPULATION OF THE CYA; (2) CONTINUE INDETERMINATE SENTENCING FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS; (3) PLACE EMPHASIS ON TRAINING AND TREATMENT AND PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY IN DEALING WITH YOUNG ADULTS; (4) STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND PROGRAMS OF THE CYA FOR THOSE COMMITTED TO THE AUTHORITY WHO ARE EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED; (5) FUND 90-DAY DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES FOR JUVENILES THROUGH THE STATE; (6) PUBLICIZE THE PROCESS OF AND CRITERIA USED IN RELEASE DECISIONS; (7) CONSIDER COMMUNITY FACTORS RELEVANT TO RELEASE FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES; (8) GIVE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OR ATTORNEY GENERAL AND DEFENSE COUNSEL A LIMITED ROLE AT PAROLE HEARINGS; (9) CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PAROLE SUPERVISION; AND (10) ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR LOCAL PROBATION AND INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES. FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AND INFORMATION ON THE CYA AND YOUTH UNDER ITS RESPONSIBILITY IS APPENDED. (DEP)