NCJ Number
97846
Date Published
1985
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from a New York study undertaken during 1984 and 1985 to examine intake practices for persons in need of supervision (PINS) and to assess the capacity of local probation departments to implement a policy of mandatory diversion.
Abstract
State probation data on PINS intake activity are State probation data on PINS intake activity are reviewed, and rates of adjustment are discussed. Attention focuses on the study methodology: 2 separate mail questionnaires -- one for administrators and one for intake officers -- were administered to the 62 county probation agencis; site visits were conducted in 8 counties, and both administrators and intake officers were interviewed. Study limitations are identified, and administrator findings and intake officer findings are reported. Administrators estimated that most PINS cases currently opened at intake are being serviced either by the probation department or through joint efforts of the probation department and other agencies. Further, 65 percent of the administrators and 59 percent of the intake officers said that the major goal of intake was to assist families by providing direct services or referral to community agencies. Conclusions about the readiness of local probation agencies to implement a policy of mandatory PINS supervision are reported. Local probation agencies are shown to vary in intake practices, and interagency coordination and planning for the delivery of services to potential PINS and their families are found to vary considerably by county. Positive attitudes toward mandatory diversion are reported; 11 recommendations are included.