NCJ Number
146811
Date Published
1994
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This document summarizes current research knowledge in several areas of criminal justice and its implications for Federal planning and support for programs in the areas of sentencing, juvenile delinquency prevention, drug abuse, crime victims, female offenders, and citizen involvement in crime prevention.
Abstract
Knowledge exists about the implementation of community- based sanctions that fall between probation and prison and about methods for establishing their integrity and punitive credibility in the view of the judiciary and the public. In the area of juvenile delinquency prevention, policies are needed that increase support for basic risk reduction and youth development strategies, target services to areas of greatest need, and give priority to locally generated solutions that address youth as well as their parents and the community. Expanded treatment and education to reduce both alcohol abuse and drug addiction should be a priority for the criminal justice system. Resources should also be directed to meaningful victim and victim service provider participation at appropriate intervention points in the criminal justice system. Policies are also needed to reduce the incarceration and detention of female offenders and that coordinate interactions between the criminal justice and child welfare systems. Finally, every effort should be made to involve citizens in the development of community-based prevention, drug abuse, and sanction projects.