NCJ Number
181605
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 61-67
Editor(s)
Ellen W. Fielding
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the future of the juvenile justice system in the United States in a transitional context, noting how the system operated in the past and how it may operate in the future.
Abstract
For decades, juvenile justice system programs and services were designed and implemented exclusive of community sentiments and values and always in terms of in loco parentis. Judges, administrators, and probation officials were committed to the best interests of the child, but this was also a euphemism for efforts to protect the juvenile justice system rather than benefit the child. Over the years, the juvenile justice system was variously characterized in terms of rehabilitation, treatment, and control. Changes occurred in juvenile justice agencies, juvenile courts, and policies and attitudes toward young people. More changes to the juvenile justice system are envisioned in the future. These changes are discussed in terms of juvenile justice system operations, juvenile justice agency partnerships with other agencies and organizations, organizational change and change management, juvenile justice system program delivery and effectiveness, and juvenile court operations. The author presents a positive perspective on the future of the juvenile justice system. 48 references