NCJ Number
187567
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2001 Pages: 37-48
Date Published
2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report by the Missouri Bar Commission on Children and the Law reviews current programs for juveniles being conducted by eight Missouri State agencies responsible for providing youth services, critiques what is being done for youth through State services, and offers recommendations for what the Missouri Bar can do to improve services to juveniles in the State.
Abstract
In discussing the strengths of various State and State/Federal appropriations that support local juvenile justice programs, this report notes that fewer youths are being removed from parental custody; the level of creativity and innovation in the use of funds is impressive; locality-specific programming has been encouraged; prevention of further system penetration is a priority for juvenile case processing; partnerships between juvenile courts and child-care agencies are increasing; and early intervention is being emphasized while attempting to avoid the dangers of premature labeling and stereotyping. Some concerns are the funneling of funds for innovations to normal operating expenses; the use of custody in diversion programs; the absence of the use of private, for-profit organizations for youth services; the lack of systematic evaluation of programs; and the need for greater specificity in relating client needs to intervention typologies. Recommendations for action by the Missouri Bar are offered in the areas of permanency planning and health and safety.