NCJ Number
151852
Date Published
1993
Length
116 pages
Annotation
Using qualitative and quantitative data, this study examined the cultural background and family structures of the Southeast Asian community in Multnomah County, Oregon, the causes of rising juvenile delinquency, decision points in the juvenile justice system which affect the disposition of Southeast Asian youth, and the availability of culturally appropriate prevention and intervention programs.
Abstract
The first section of the report, dealing with needs assessment, describes the scope of the problem, the juvenile justice system, and prevention and early intervention youth services. The first chapter describes the ethnic diversity of the major Southeast Asian groups in Multnomah County, and outlines common types of social interactions among these communities. The chapter on the juvenile justice system notes several factors that affect the disposition of youth at each point including a lack of culturally competent resources and services, a policy that bars prosecution of minor felonies and misdemeanors until the third arrest, the availability of bilingual staff, the degree to which parents are involved with their children, and the lack of adequate follow-up services. The second half of the report includes a model program development plan, based on national program models, program models for this county, and implementation priorities. 1 figure, 1 table, and 4 appendixes