Continuum of Care Options and Alternatives (From Jurisdictional Teams: Strategic Planning Master Notebook Speaker Specific Topic - Participant Information, 2001, NJDA Center for Research and Professional Development, ed. -- See NCJ 190658)

• NCJ Number: 190663
• Author(s): Paul DeMuro
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 98-JB-VX-0104
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Sale Source: National Juvenile Detention Assoc; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: From Jurisdictional Team Training in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, July 17-18, 2001.

Annotation

This section of the "Strategic Planning Master Notebook" for jurisdictional teams contains a notetaking guide on continuum-of-care options and alternatives for juveniles.

Abstract

Performance objectives outlined are as follows: define and identify detention alternatives; list the critical principles to consider prior to development of detention alternatives; outline alternative detention programs in the continuum; and initiate a plan for the development of detention alternatives in the jurisdiction. Reasons listed for developing alternatives to juvenile detention are to reduce crowding in detention facilities, increase accountability, and keep costs down. The guide advises that the explicit purpose of a detention alternative is "to provide appropriate supervision to youth who would have been detained in secure detention so that while remaining in the community, they remain arrest-free and make their court hearings." Standards outlined for appropriate alternatives are not to "widen the net," provide adequate supervision to youth, and be accessible in a timely fashion to youths who enter secure detention. Seven "critical" principles for alternatives to detention are then listed, including cultural relevance and accessibility, the limiting of restrictiveness without compromising public safety, and a continuum of supervision based on risk assessment. Some basic alternative program models listed are home/community detention, day and evening reporting centers, residential alternatives, and host homes/foster care. Other issues reviewed are the decision making process and sample steps for the identification of program needs.