NCJ Number
134651
Date Published
1979
Length
124 pages
Annotation
The Youth Alternatives Program (YAP), a 3-year demonstration program operated by the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development, modeled an effective community-based intervention design to meet the needs of retarded juvenile offenders. The primary objective of the YAP was to identify and divert retarded juvenile offenders before they became deeply involved with the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The YAP staff developed a reliable, rapid screening procedure known as the Developmental Screening Quick Test to be administered at the time of arrest or intake. After an individual is identified as retarded, he must be diverted for a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment program; retarded offenders should be diverted from the juvenile justice system as quickly as possible. The diagnosis is based on an ecological study, psychological testing, educational testing, psychosocial assessment, and medical examination. A prescriptive program of intervention is then formulated for each client. The YAP treatment essentially consists of individual and group counseling, parent groups, education, recreational activities, and job training and placement services. YAP staff also act as advocates for clients in need of services not provided directly by the program or otherwise available in the community.