NCJ Number
207787
Date Published
2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Following a brief history of the American juvenile justice system, this chapter identifies recent changes in policies that influence juvenile court processing of child delinquents, describes promising programs that target child delinquents, and proposes a comprehensive model for integrated services for child delinquents.
Abstract
Although recent changes in juvenile court processing have been designed to improve outcomes for juveniles, i.e., limitations on the use of incarceration and the development of programs that divert juveniles from formal court processing and residential custody, many status offenders and child delinquents, along with nonoffenders, may not have access to the service delivery system or be given appropriate treatment. In reviewing promising programs for child delinquents, the author notes that the juvenile justice system has no special facilities for them, and there are few programs designed specifically for child delinquents; however, new models are being developed. None of these programs has yet been conclusively demonstrated to be an effective intervention for this population. The promising programs described are the Michigan Early Offender Program, Minnesota Delinquents Under 10 Program, the Minnesota All Children Excel Program, the Sacramento County Community Intervention Program, and the Toronto Under 12 Outreach Project. The chapter concludes with a description of a comprehensive model for services to child delinquents that integrates prevention, early intervention, graduated sanctions, and aftercare. 7 notes