Value Consensus Among Agencies in a Juvenile Diversion Program A Process Evaluation (From Implementing Criminal Justice Policies, P 101-114, 1982, Merry Morash, ed. - See NCJ-88296)

• NCJ Number: 88303
• Author(s): S H Decker
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A process evaluation of the attitudes of police and social service staff involved in a diversion program for juvenile status offenders showed that the staff groups had the goal consensus required for successful implementation of the program.

Abstract

Previous research has shown the importance of common goals for the successful implementation of programs which require cooperation or collaboration among different agencies in the public sector. Common goals are particularly important in the case of relatively new programs. The diversion program was chosen for the analysis because of the research showing attitudinal differences between the groups involved in such programs. Data came from a federally funded diversion program for status offenders in St. Louis. Most referrals came from the police, while treatment was provided by staff of the diversion program and 15 agencies under contract to provide specialized counseling services. The 45 police officers and 21 treatment personnel generally agreed on four issues related to diversion, status offenders, and the program. However, the police tended to have more punitive attitudes even while participating in the diversion program. Thus, despite some attitudinal gaps, the foundation for smooth and efficient program operation was present. Process evaluations can provide valuable information to agencies about values regarding the operation of a program. Tables and a list of 11 references are provided.