NCJ Number
82144
Date Published
Unknown
Length
35 pages
Annotation
Primary and secondary prevention, diversion, community involvement and organization, sponsorship, committee structure, casework, mobilization, volunteerism, and voluntary services are discussed as aspects of a juvenile delinquency prevention program in Oakland County, Mich.
Abstract
The Oakland County Youth Assistance Program maintains a central office which coordinates 26 decentralized programs covering each school district in the county. The programs are sponsored by municipalities, school districts, and the county probate court, Juvenile Division. The program's focal point is the participation of local citizens in efforts to prevent, reduce, or eliminate those emotional and social conditions that breed antisocial behavior in juveniles. Local citizens identify the problematic situations in their communities and then develop and participate in projects designed to resolve these conditions. A social worker, whose responsibilities are to provide supportive services to the local citizen group and direct casework services to youth and families, is assigned to a local community by the county probate court. Following a discussion of the historical development of the Youth Assistance Program, the organization for primary prevention is described under the topics of the community organization process, standing committees, program committees, role relationships, and the linkage between primary and secondary prevention. The general strategy of secondary prevention is described, and examples of secondary treatment services are listed. Staff job descriptions are presented, and the work of the Oakland County Youth Assistance Advisory Council is portrayed. The Advisory Council mobilizes county skills, interest, and forces on behalf of families and children, as well as providing advisory services to local citizens committees. Tabular and graphic data bearing upon program activities are presented, along with 12 references.