NCJ Number
38663
Date Published
1976
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER DESCRIBES THE EFFORTS OF THE BERRIEN COUNTY (MI) JUVENILE COURT AND THE LINK CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTER TO INCREASE THEIR COOPERATION AND TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION FOR APPREHENDED RUNAWAYS.
Abstract
BERRIEN COUNTY EXPERIENCED A HIGH INCIDENCE OF YOUTH APPREHENDED FOR RUNNING AWAY BECAUSE IT BORDERS INDIANA, IS A PART OF THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AREA, AND IS BISECTED BY INTERSTATE 94. BECAUSE OF A LACK OF ALTERNATIVES TO COURT PETITIONS, THE ADMISSION OF RUNAWAYS TO DETENTION OFTEN EXCEEDED 50 PERCENT OF ALL ADMISSIONS. IN 1971, A FEASIBILITY AND PLANNING STUDY CONFIRMED THE SERIOUS GAP IN ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, REPORTED THAT THE COUNTY'S RATE OF DETENTION WAS FOUR TIMES WHAT IT SHOULD BE, AND RECOMMENDED AN APPROPRIATE SIZE AND SCOPE FOR THE DETENTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF ALTERNATIVE SERVICES FOR YOUTH DIVERSION. AN AD HOC CITIZENS' COMMITTEE DECIDED, AS A RESULT OF A SURVEY, THAT A RUNAWAY YOUTH SHELTER WAS NEEDED. IT FORMED THE LINK CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTER, WHICH OPENED IN 1973 AS A VOLUNTARY, PRIVATE, NONPROFIT AGENCY TO PROVIDE FREE COUNSELING AND SHELTER TO YOUTH IN CRISIS AND TO RUNAWAYS. IT HAD THE BACKING OF THE JUVENILE COURT AND THE SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL BACKING OF THE COUNTY'S BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THE REPORT DESCRIBES EFFORTS TO BUILD COMMUNICATIONS AND TRUST BETWEEN THE TWO AGENCIES THROUGH SEMINARS, MEETINGS, LIAISON WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, MUTUAL PROBLEMSOLVING, PUBLICITY, AND CITIZEN ACTION. DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH ARE SUGGESTED. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED.