NCJ Number
91380
Date Published
1983
Length
88 pages
Annotation
Following a review of the literature on services coordination in the juvenile justice system, this study integrates the theory and practice of coordination, describes the process of implementing coordination efforts, and explains the problems associated with coordination.
Abstract
The background study summarizes the overall causes of fragmentation, outlines the problems resulting from fragmentation, identifies the proponents of coordination, and cites specific examples of coordinated activities. It also explains the rationale behind the identification of coordination as the appropriate reaction to fragmentation. The Tompkins County (New York) Youth Bureau's coordination efforts were examined, particularly the Community Case Management Team, which is a multidisciplinary group of youth-serving agency administrators and caseworkers who devise and implement comprehensive and coordinated service plans for juveniles. The purpose of the analysis was to determine if the team's efforts made the system more efficient and effective. The team was meeting many of its objectives, such as facilitating interagency communication and support, expediting procedures to ensure speedier delivery of services, providing comprehensive services, and working toward overcoming the ramifications of the current fragmented system. The impact of these coordination efforts on youth development could not be determined without the performance of more extensive longitudinal and empirical investigations. This study constitutes a first report on observations and ideas, identifying the issues and raising questions. The appendixes contain supplementary material, and 36 bibliographic listings are provided.