NCJ Number
84625
Date Published
1982
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes the provisions of Ohio's House Bill 440, which focuses on the control and treatment of delinquents, describes important implementation issues, and outlines the revised procedures for handling of juvenile offenders.
Abstract
House Bill 440 went into effect in November 1981. The bill is designed to reduce repeat offenses and to provide more effective treatment and preventive programs for juveniles. The new law prohibits sending juveniles to institutions for minor offenses, sets minimum sentences for serious crimes, gives courts more discretion in determining releases and in approving parole services, and increases State funding to counties to provide more programs as alternatives to institutions. The bill differentiates serious offenders from others chiefly by the dispositional option of the court to commit a youth to an institution. At court intake, the juvenile's case may be diverted into a community program, handled informally by the court, or handled formally by the court. Disposition options include fine, probation, temporary custody to an agency, permanent commitment to the county welfare department, commitment to an institution, or any other disposition the court deems proper. The Department of Youth Services maintains several treatment options. Aftercare procedures can include parole assignment, recommitment, or discharge from legal custody. Implementation issues remain, such as whether minimum sentencing is affecting charging and plea bargaining practices. Six flow diagrams are provided.