NCJ Number
209556
Date Published
2005
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a strategic framework for promoting an integrated child welfare and juvenile justice system.
Abstract
In order to improve the well-being of America’s children and reduce shameful levels of child abuse and neglect, it is imperative that the Nation’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems be integrated. A strategic framework is offered to promote this integrated system; included are the five universal needs of children that communities must meet and seven guiding principles for actions to meet these needs. Recent research on child maltreatment and juvenile justice is presented that illustrates the association between child maltreatment and offending behavior as youths and adults. Recent Federal legislation reauthorizing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (OJJDPA) is described, as are several grant programs designed to provide funding to programs reaching out to at-risk youth. Finally, a five-phase framework is presented that outlines the components that should be included in a coordinated, integrated child welfare and juvenile justice system. Action steps include identifying agency partners, defining the intervention goal, and developing multi-system risk and service assessment instruments. The comprehensive change from the current system to an integrated system depends heavily on the successful and effective involvement of multiple system partners. References