NCJ Number
80353
Date Published
1981
Length
111 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are presented from the Minnesota Juvenile Services Delivery System Project (JSDSP), which examined the need to develop an integrated, systemwide approach to planning service delivery to troubled youth.
Abstract
Two categories of services were analyzed: (1) juvenile justice system services, including detention, diversion programs, probation and parole programs, legal services, and police services; and (2) services designed to correct juveniles' behavioral problems, whether or not they were in the juvenile justice system. As part of its task, the JSDSP reviewed laws and rules which require or permit services, State and Federal sources of funding for services, and existing data systems containing information about the services. It was found that most of the laws relating to sevices for troubled youth are vague, possibly duplicative, but not inconsistent with one another. An overall youth services delivery system is not described in the statutes. While the staff could identify sources of State and Federal funds, it could not determine the amount of Federal funds allocated for services. There is little or no funding program coordination at the Federal level. Further, there is no state-level mechanism or structure to monitor Federal funds entering Minnesota. Neither is there a State structure for systematically gathering and reviewing State funding program information. An analysis of a sample of counties found that local data systems have limited usefulness for statewide policy development; however, State information systems do contain data which could be useful in a systemwide approach for services to troubled youth. Overall, there is no integrated systemwide approach for services to troubled youth. It is recommended that the legislature designate a permanent committee or task force to be a forum for issues relating to services for troubled youth. Data on services and funding are appended. (Author summary modified)