Conceptual Model: Program Coordination for the Serious, Habitual Criminal Offender (From Serious Habitual Offender/Drug Involved Program (SHO/DI), Volume 2: Informational Commentaries, Phase II, 1986, Number 21, Robert O Heck et al -- See NCJ-108333)

• NCJ Number: 108335
• Author(s): R O Heck; W Pindur; D K Wells
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-108333.

Annotation

Although they are relatively few in number, career criminals, including chronic juvenile offenders, account for a disproportionate amount of crime. The two-track justice system has led to a focus on adult career criminals and a lack of systemwide coordination in dealing with serious and chronic juvenile delinquency.

Abstract

The juvenile serious habitual offender/drug involved program was developed to address this problem through a law enforcement and case management approach that emphasizes cooperation among police, schools, probation, prosecutors, social services, juvenile courts, and corrections. The program enables the juvenile justice system to focus attention on those youth who repeatedly commit serious crimes, with particular attention given to providing case information for more informed sentencing dispositions. Currently, five cities are involved in the program, pooling their resources, sharing information, and collectively focusing their efforts. The model suggests that a comprehensive and coordinated systemwide approach may be a successful strategy for responding to this small cohort of juveniles.