Juvenile Justice System Achievements, Problems, and Opportunities

• NCJ Number: 86953
• Author(s): C P Smith
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 99 pages
• Grant Number(s): 79-JN-AX-0013
• Sponsoring Agency: US Securities and Exchange Cmssn
• Corporate Author: American Justice Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes the state of the art of the juvenile justice system, including gaps in available information or understanding.

Abstract

Key elements of the system addressed include the social context (i.e., the system's interdependence with other child development and protection systems), court jurisdiction, and the system's organizational structure and process (from arrest through release and aftercare). The report also discusses the number and characteristics of criminal and status offenses and offenders, including victim and geographic considerations. It reviews the handling of persons who are abused, neglected and dependent, or who have special problems; case classification and disposition; and executive, legislative, and judicial trends affecting the system (diversion/screening, alternatives to institutionalization, emphasis on serious offenders, and separation of juveniles from adults). The report discusses juvenile treatment programs, economic implications, and evaluation techniques. It also identifies recommendations for research or action. Supplementary data, methodology, and 35 references are appended.