NCJ Number
45041
Date Published
1977
Length
101 pages
Annotation
A YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM AND A VICTIMIZATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED IN A HIGH-CRIME SECTION OF DENVER, COLO., ARE EVALUATED IN TERMS OF OPERATIONAL AND EFFECTIVENESS OBJECTIVES.
Abstract
THE PRORAMS WERE CONDUCTED BY THE SOUTHEAST DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE BUREAU UNDER AN LEAA GRANT. THE YOUTH PROGRAM MET OR EXCEEDED ALL OF ITS OPERATIONAL AND EFFECTIVENESS OBJECTIVES, SUCCESSFULLY REDUCING EXPECTED RECIDIVISM RATES AMONG CLIENTS REFERRED PRIMARILY BY THE DELINQUENCY CONTROL DIVISION OF THE DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT. PROGRAM STAFF FOUND BROKERAGE TO BE AN INADEQUATE INTERVENTION MECHANISM, PRIMARILY DUE TO A LACK OF RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY. MOST CLIENTS RECEIVED DIRECT COUNSELING (INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, AND FAMILY) AND OTHER SERVICES FROM BUREAU STAFF. THE YOUTH PROGRAM BECAME PART OF THE DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES FOR THE STATE OF COLORADO. THE VICTIMIZATION COMPONENT OF THE GRANT EXCEEDED ITS OPERATIONAL GOALS, PROVIDING COUNSELING, ADVOCACY, AND OTHER SERVICES TO 343 ACTUAL VICTIMS OF CRIME AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO 26,594 POTENTIAL VICTIMS. THE INCIDENCE OF REPORTING IN THE TARGET COMMUNITY WAS INCREASED FROM 63 PERCENT TO 70.6 PERCENT, SOMEWHAT SHORT OF THE PROGRAM'S OBJECTIVE. THE VICTIMIZATION COMPONENT LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXPANDED VICTIM SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT SERVES THE ENTIRE CITY. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)