NCJ Number
132609
Date Published
1991
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report describes and analyzes the results of the Intermediate Treatment Initiative begun by the British Department of Health in 1983 to provide community-based alternatives to the institutionalization of juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Under the initiative, funding was made available to voluntary private organizations working in partnership with local governments to provide intensive, community-based treatment and services for juvenile offenders as a direct alternative to care orders and incarcerative sentences. The program has transformed juvenile corrections in that the number of incarcerative sentences has declined substantially. In addition, when the Children Act is implemented in October 1991, care orders will not be permitted in criminal proceedings involving minors. The program has demonstrated that all but the most serious juvenile offenders should live in the community while being helped to lead better lives and that institutions are not needed for many serious and persistent offenders. The factors contributing to the success of this program include the cooperation between the private sector and government, the use of project management committees, and the efforts of the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. Tables, figures, and appended list of participating organizations and background information