NCJ Number
26191
Date Published
1974
Length
47 pages
Annotation
PROGRAM DESIGNED TO INVOLVE CITIZENS IN THE PHILADELPHIA FAMILY COURT PROCESS TO EXPAND THE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THIS PROGRAM COMPRISES THREE DIFFERENT AREAS OF ONE-TO-ONE VOLUNTEER SERVICES. AN INFORMATION CENTER FOR COURT PERSONNEL SERVES AS A FILE ON COMMUNITY RESOURCES WHICH PROVIDE SERVICES TO JUVENILES. A VOCATIONAL SKILLS COMPONENT IS CONCERNED WITH JOB PLACEMENT AND THE COUNSELING AND TRAINING OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTH SEEKING WORK. THE STEPS COMPONENT INVOLVES THE RECRUITMENT OF BLACK MALE VOLUNTEERS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE YOUTH AND TO MATCH THESE VOLUNTEERS AND YOUTH ON THE BASIS OF INTEREST, HOBBIES, AND SKILLS. THE PROGRAM WAS EVALUATED USING INTENSIVE ON-SITE INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS OF SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION, SUPPLEMENTED BY INTERVIEWS OF PROGRAM STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND SELECTED COURT PERSONNEL. EVALUATORS CONCLUDED THAT THE PROGRAM WAS PROGRESSING VERY SATISFACTORILY AND HAD AN EXCELLENT CHANCE OF MEETING ITS STATED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. RECOMMENDATIONS CALLED FOR THE RECRUITING OF MORE SPANISH-SPEAKING VOLUNTEERS AND MORE DETAILED RECORDKEEPING, ESPECIALLY IN REGARD TO CLIENT HISTORY.