NCJ Number
38372
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
FINAL REPORT ON A HOBOKEN (NJ) PROJECT WHICH PROVIDED RECREATIONAL ALTERNATIVES (ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES) AS A MEANS OF REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND OF IMPROVING JUVENILE POLICE RELATIONS.
Abstract
THE TEEN PROJECT WAS DESIGNED TO CREATE A SPECIAL CENTER WHERE TEENS COULD MEET, TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR POLICE AND JUVENILES TO MEET INFORMALLY, TO PROVIDE RECREATION PROGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES, AND TO PROVIDE COUNSELING AND REFERRAL SERVICES FOR JUVENILES. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN ESTABLISHING THE CENTER ARE DESCRIBED, INCLUDING THE NEED FOR FOUR DIFFERENT AGENCIES TO RATIFY THE PROJECT AND HIRE STAFF, AND THE LACK OF AVAILABLE SPACE FOR THE PROGRAM. ONCE OPERATIONAL, THE PROGRAM PROVIDED SUCH ACTIVITIES AS WEEKLY DANCES, WEIGHTLIFTING CLASSES, CREATION OF A TEEN COFFEE HOUSE, BASKETBALL, AND KARATE INSTRUCTION. POLICE AND TEENAGERS PARTICIPATED IN JOINT VENTURES DESIGNED TO BENEFIT THE YOUTHS. IT IS NOTED THAT THE PROGRAM WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL, AND RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT FROM THE YOUTHS IN THE COMMUNITY. EFFORTS AIMED AT OBTAINING RE-FUNDING OF THE PROGRAM UPON TERMINATION OF THE PROJECT GRANT ARE ALSO DESCRIBED.