NCJ Number
202247
Date Published
2002
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This document presents the annual report of the Division of Juvenile Justice in Alaska for 2001.
Abstract
Overall referrals of youth into the juvenile justice system in Alaska declined for the third consecutive year in 2001 -- by 6.3 percent. These decreases were limited to less-serious misdemeanor offenses. The rate of referral for more serious felonies remained unchanged. In Probation Services, an in-house work group completed a study that determined the level of resources necessary to integrate restorative justice practices into the work conducted by the juvenile probation staff. The study showed that juvenile probation officers carried caseloads that were twice as high as recommended. Additional probation officers in some of the most severely understaffed communities and regions are needed to help relieve these shortages. Significant progress has been made during the year in working with partners to improve services to victims of juvenile crime and in developing opportunities for restitution and skill-building for youth offenders. Most facilities operated at about capacity during the year, with the number of referrals and average daily populations decreased compared with the previous year. More effective community-based interventions and increased bed capacity have helped reduce the need for secure beds and have alleviated overcrowding. Federal and State funds continued to support efforts to meet federally-mandated State activities related to juvenile justice. Division grants supported intervention and prevention, rural and urban initiatives, and partnerships with both private and public service providers. Planning and construction of the new Juvenile Offender Management Information System proceeded according to schedule. This system will improve the management of juvenile records and accessibility of statistical information. Staff training opportunities for professional development were at an all-time high. The division continued to meet the goals of performance measures assigned by the Alaska State Legislature. 2 appendices