NCJ Number
212512
Date Published
May 1999
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This guide presents effective practice recommendations for youth justice system agencies on ensuring the swift administration of justice for persistent young offenders (PYOs).
Abstract
The youth justice system in England and Wales is committed to reducing the average time for juvenile delinquency cases to move through the system. The goal is to reduce the amount of time for case disposition for PYOs from 142 days in 1996 to 71 days or less by 2002 and to generally speed up the system for all youth cases. This document provides a template for best practices in terms of expediting the youth justice process for young offenders, from arrest to sentencing. The template presented for effective practice in expediting the youth justice process illustrates the main processes and interactions involved in the youth justice system and shows how different parties in the system can most effectively work together. The main causes of delays in the youth justice system process are enumerated, followed by recommendations for improvements. Best practice findings for expediting the youth justice system are reviewed and are cross referenced to the template, which includes good practice actions, responsible parties, and notes carrying additional relevant information. Finally, recommendations are presented for performance management at the local level. Figures