NCJ Number
172251
Date Published
1997
Length
161 pages
Annotation
After presenting findings from key informant interviews and a series of focus groups in all Hawaiian counties, this report proposes a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the State's current system of handling runaways, truants, and youth otherwise beyond the control of their families.
Abstract
The data reported came from interviews with 47 key informants who were administrators of departments, agencies, or agency programs; judges; and administrators of private service providers. The other data source was a series of 11 focus groups conducted in various communities on five islands. The proposed plan recommends that the family court, the police, the Department of Education, and the Office of Youth Services enter into a voluntary agreement to continue the policy of diversion of status offense cases to designated private service providers. Early assistance (prevention programs) and early assessment should be provided each apprehended status offender by private services organizations under contract with State agencies. Status offenders who are picked up for any offense should receive early assessment, temporary shelter if needed, active parental participation in the assessment and referral, and a clear statement of expectations for the offender. Services should be planned and implemented by local communities to correct resource shortages in some locales. Other recommendations under the proposal are the expansion of Youth Service Centers, the promotion of parental responsibility and involvement, the establishment of School Attendance Review Boards in each school district, contracting for program outcome evaluations, and the development of a common case information data system. 5 tables, 1 figure, 20 references, and appended supplementary information and data forms