NCJ Number
181601
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 33-39
Editor(s)
Ellen W. Fielding
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded a $4.5 million grant to Ventura County, California, to implement the South Oxnard Challenge Project (SOCP) over a 3-year period.
Abstract
The SOCP is designed as a collaborative, restorative justice program for juveniles between 12 and 18 years of age in a largely Latino area with a high crime rate. Goals of the SOCP are to reduce juvenile delinquency, increase emphasis on families, and enhance participation in juvenile justice by local residents. SOCP collaborating agencies include a range of county agencies, local community-based organizations, and community representatives. SOCP experience indicates program leadership and relationship structures are critical concerns at the outset when a program is initially envisioned and created. Important issues in the collaborative arrangement include the designation of lead and participating agencies, levels of participation and role responsibilities, the scope and goals of evaluation, and interagency staff training. Decision-making strategies associated with collaborative arrangements are discussed, and benefits of collaboration are noted. 12 references and 2 notes