NCJ Number
128066
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 24-28
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Recent analyses of the caseload of the Massachusetts Probation Department indicate substantial changes in the juvenile offender population, particularly the decrease in the number of juveniles entering the justice system and the increase in the seriousness of the offenses committed.
Abstract
The total number of juvenile arraignments declined by 17.8 percent between 1979 and 1989. However, the proportion of those committing crimes against the person (19.3 percent), weapons offenders on probation (16.3 percent), drug offenders, and offenders involved with cocaine or crack were all much higher than at any time during the past decade. Youth entering the system at age 14 or younger and who continued to commit delinquent acts differed from those entering later on prior records, substance abuse, educational functioning, and family and social relationships. Findings indicate the need for service coordination to meet multiple problems and early intervention with youth who appear in court at unusually young ages. Tables