NCJ Number
91399
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Presentations provide an overview of the community-based orientation for juveniles in the Shelby County juvenile justice system (Tennessee) and a detailed account of the structure and administration of the Shelby County Violent Offender Program, an experimental project that targets violent juvenile offenders.
Abstract
In an effort to fill the void existing from the failure of the State and private agencies to provide community services for delinquent youth, the Shelby County juvenile court has developed community-based programs for juveniles, including a county secure facility for juveniles, a residential alternative to secure institutionalization, and juvenile diversion projects. An experimental program has been developed that targets chronically violent youth. To be eligible for the program, juveniles must have committed at least two specified violent offenses. Those eligible for the program are randomly selected for participation and nonparticipation (typical processing of such offenders) so as to provide a control and experimental group. Eight youth are currently in the program. An assessment tool provides an analysis of each youth in the areas of parenting influences, peer interaction, and self-concept. A striking finding was the dissimilarity of the backgrounds that have led to chronic violent behavior. This has required that the program be highly individualized. Continuous evaluation is provided through report forms completed by staff every 4 hours. Attention is given to verbal interaction and response to instructions. A daily schedule is planned for each resident, and a record is kept of the activities completed. This permits a compilation of services delivered to each youth. Documentation also determines whether clients have learned or changed and whether the program was the instrument for the change. Workshop questions and answers are included.