Juvenile Restitution in the United States - Practices, Problems and Prospects

• NCJ Number: 98592
• Author(s): P R Schneider
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 30 pages
• Grant Number(s): 77-NI-9-0005; 79-NJ-AX-0009; 82-JS-AX-0025
• Sponsoring Agency: US Securities and Exchange Cmssn
• Corporate Author: Institute of Policy Analysis
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews some of the evaluation research on the National Juvenile Restitution Initiative, discusses various reactions to restitution programs, and appraises the future of juvenile restitution programs in the United States.

Abstract

Opening sections of the report review practices and preferences for various types of restitution, types of offenders and offenses encompassed in restitution programs, and the performance of offenders in restitution projects. Findings on in-program reoffense rates are reported and compared with reoffense rates for juveniles receiving other dispositions. A discussion of major implementation problems focuses on (1) employment for referrals to restitution programs, (2) client supervision, (3) accurately assessing the amount of victim loss, (4) restitution payment procedures, and (5) the determination of sanctions when restitution orders are not completed. The discussion of prospects for juvenile restitution in the United States briefly describes the institutional components fueling restitution as a national movement. These components are the National Juvenile Restitution Association, the Institute of Policy Analysis, and the National Institute for Sentencing Alternatives. In addition, the Office of Juvenile Justice is cited for its marketing plan that would encourage the use of restitution by supplying training, technical assistance, and research. Tabular and graphic program evaluation data are included, along with 27 references.