NCJ Number
192223
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 59-60-62
Date Published
December 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses an innovative program in Kentucky to promote delinquency prevention and collaboration of community efforts.
Abstract
In 1998, Kentucky's Delinquency Prevention and Community Partnership Initiative was established and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) formed eight local juvenile delinquency prevention councils. Council members work together to define problem areas in the community, such as truancy or substance abuse, and identify community programs that can provide services for these problems and award grants for programs, including community education, community ministries, schools, and boys and girls clubs. The 8 delinquency prevention councils exist in 11 counties. The counties' juvenile arrest rates represent the majority in Kentucky. The purpose of the council is to pinpoint problems in the community; develop a 3 year plan to address these needs; enter into written local interagency agreements that specify nature and extent of contributions; apply and receive public or private grants; and share information to carry out these agreements. Also, the council provides a forum for the presentation of interagency recommendations; assists the efforts of local community support organizations in providing enrichment programs; and provides an annual report and recommendations to DJJ. Statutes mandate each council to include representatives from law enforcement, the school system, the Department for Community-Based Services, court of justice, commonwealth's attorney, county attorney, county juvenile detention facility, and the Department for Public Advocacy. The key principles for preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency are to strengthen families, support core social institutions, promote prevention strategies and programs, intervene immediately and effectively when delinquent behavior occurs, and identify and control the small percentages of serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders. Primary prevention programs are after-school activities, mentoring, boys and girls clubs, youth foundations, and Big Brother/Big Sisters. Secondary prevention programs include family nurturing centers and neighborhood associations. Tertiary prevention programs are concerned with recidivism and include drug courts. 2 references