NCJ Number
167182
Date Published
1994
Length
97 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes New Jersey's juvenile justice system, concludes that it has failed in many ways to meet the needs of the juvenile population and respond to the increase in serious and violent crime, and recommends numerous changes.
Abstract
The analysis concluded that the New Jersey juvenile justice system is, at best, a loose confederacy of independent agencies, commissions, and councils with goals and philosophies that often compete. The confusion and debate results in limited access to both social services and corrections. However, concern about juvenile delinquency is increasing due to the increase in serious and violent crime. In addition, a recent federally funded study revealed a link between child well-being and the likelihood of a child's involvement in the juvenile justice system. Almost half the youths who had entered the court system for the second time had problems in at least five of seven need areas: academic/behavior problems, family dysfunction, poor psychological adjustment, neurological deficiencies such as learning disabilities, drug or alcohol use, past physical or sexual abuse, and negative peer influence. Recommended reform measures include the establishment of a unified philosophy aimed at both reducing delinquency and recidivism and promoting public safety, offender accountability, and rehabilitation; the creation of an independent juvenile justice commission; the legislative establishment of youth services commissions in each county; and other actions. Footnotes and appended lists of the members and staff of the Governor's Council on Juvenile Justice