Juvenile Justice

Current Juvenile Corrections Professional Development Practices and Future Directions

by Kristin Murphy

With Joe Gagnon, David Houchins

Personnel in juvenile corrections (JC) work with students who have challenging academic, behavioral, and mental health... more Personnel in juvenile corrections (JC) work with students who have challenging academic, behavioral, and mental health needs. The complexity of the JC setting requires personnel to be highly skilled in effective practices to meet the demands of their job. Unfortunately, juvenile correctional personnel are neglected as an important link in the school to prison pipeline
that can be used to redirect students away from further or repeated involvement in the court system. In this article, our purpose is to provide readers with information on the professional development (PD) needs of JC personnel. Student, teacher, and facility contextual considerations in JC are described. Then, specific JC PD knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with student academic, behavior, and mental health needs are detailed. Finally,resources and future directions are offered.

Transitions of Truants: Community Truancy Board as a Turning Point in the Lives of Adolescents

by Kevin Wright

Johnson, Charles L, Kevin A. Wright, and Paul S. Strand (2012). "Transitions of Truants: Community Truancy Board as a Turning Point in the Lives of Adolescents." Journal of Juvenile Justice, 1(2), 34-51.

School dropout represents a major turning point in a person’s life that could be seen as an initial step on a... more School dropout represents a major turning point in a person’s life that could be seen as an initial step on a difficult pathway to reduced conventional opportunities. The challenge is to identify interventions that can successfully reintegrate students back into a school setting in a manner that encourages continued attendance and involvement. One such program is the West Valley Community Truancy Board in Spokane, Washington. In addition to the truancy board process, the program employs a court-appointed officer to mentor students and manage the overall process of identifying and attending to the risks and needs that promote truancy. Guided by Sampson and Laub’s (1993) age-graded theory of informal social control and Cullen’s (1994) application of social support to delinquency, the current analysis seeks to determine the overall effectiveness of the truancy board based on both quantitative analyses of outcomes and qualitative interviews with key actors. We discuss the implications for the ongoing theoretical, empirical, and policy debates surrounding truancy intervention.

Warehoused: The Plight of ‘Mad’ Youths in the Juvenile Justice System

by Danielle M. Shields

On any given day, tens of thousands of youths are housed in juvenile correctional facilities and unfortunately, a... more On any given day, tens of thousands of youths are housed in juvenile correctional facilities and unfortunately, a staggering proportion of these individuals suffer from mental illness. Though juvenile justice facilities are largely ill-equipped to serve as surrogate mental institutions, they have assumed this role out of necessity, as there is a distinct lack of community treatment options for mentally ill juveniles. Faced with inadequate assessment and treatment practices once they are absorbed into the correctional system, many incarcerated mentally ill youth are simply warehoused. Drawing upon available research, this paper recounts the historical events that contributed to the current dearth of community treatment options for juveniles, describes the prevalence, treatment, and assessment of mental illness among juvenile detainees, and considers alternatives to the current policies that exist within the system.

Child Soldier

by Nandi Crosby

This creative nonfiction essay is from a larger body of work I am constructing on my relationships with current prisoners. Child Soldier focuses on the various challenges of engaging an African American prisoner who was sentenced to 30 years at the age of 16.

Children of the Abyss: Permutations of Childhood in South Africa’s Child Justice Act

by James Maguire

This article critically examines recent legislation in South Africa intended to systematically overhaul the country’s... more This article critically examines recent legislation in South Africa intended to systematically overhaul the country’s juvenile justice regime. Developed and heatedly debated over the course of a decade, the Child Justice Act implements novel procedural protections and large-scale restorative justice programs. By analyzing the political history, social context, and evolving text of the Child Justice Act, I call into question prevailing assumptions about post-apartheid South Africa’s socio-legal history. Close examination of the act’s major drafts (in 2002, 2007, and 2008) reveals a set of tensions in the political and rhetorical status of youths as alternately victims of circumstance and threats to society. Rather than confronting and resolving this tension, which subverts the linear logic of post-apartheid “transition”, the act reinscribes that tension in a new vocabulary and logic of governance and social management. Contemporary South African history thus demonstrates a pattern not of transition but of problematic permutations.

An Assessment of Texas Juvenile Intensive Supervision Programs

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Beatty, Darryl, "An Assessment of Texas Juvenile Intensive Supervision Programs" (2002). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 50.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/50

An Assessment of Texas Juvenile Intensive Supervision Programs This paper identifies effective practices for Juvenile... more An Assessment of Texas Juvenile Intensive Supervision Programs This paper identifies effective practices for Juvenile Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) programs and assesses the extent to which Texas ISP programs use those practices. Effective ISP practices is derived from a review of criminal justice and ISP literature. The effective ISP practices identified in the literature are organized into five categories: mission and goal statements, target population and selection criteria, treatment and control activities, program integrity, and community involvement. Sixty-two juvenile ISP programs are assessed for their use of effective categories.

Survey research, and content analysis were used to collect evidence for the assessment. Multiple sources of evidence were used to increase data validity in each case. Out of 83 county ISP programs surveyed 62 responded (eleven were surveyed via the telephone).

The assessment found that although the county organizations operating juvenile ISP’s varied considerably in terms of size, complexity an available resources, they also have in common several program components and services. The findings showed that departments utilize more control measures (curfews, increased office visits) in implementing ISP programming than treatment oriented interventions (cognitive training, life skills). Over half of the respondent departments stated that a high-risk score is required to be ordered into ISP programming. Specialized staff training for ISP officers was reported by 85% of the responding counties. Finally programs have not implemented community involvement, as the model requires.

Juvenile ISP programs must incorporate an evaluation mechanism into their respective ISP programs. ISP’s must also venture out into the community and allow for input into ways the community can help effect the lives of juveniles. Further research needs to be done comparing control and treatment mechanisms between ISP and other high-risk probation programming.

Aftercare for Youth with Mental Health Disorders in the Juvenile Justice System: An Assessment of the Aftercare Program of Williamson County Juvenile Services

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Ferguson, Candace Moreno, "Aftercare for Youth with Mental Health Disorders in the Juvenile Justice System: An Assessment of the Aftercare Program of Williamson County Juvenile Services" (2005). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 10.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/10

Purpose: The purpose of this study is first to describe the ideal characteristics of an effective mental health... more Purpose: The purpose of this study is first to describe the ideal characteristics of an effective mental health aftercare program based on a review of the literature. The second purpose is to conduct a case study and assess the aftercare program in Williamson County, Texas using the ideal characteristics. Finally, recommendations that should assist all juvenile probation departments in Texas more effectively to supervise youth with mental health needs are developed. Methodology: The methodologies used in this case study of Williamson County Juvenile Services include structured interviews, document analysis and archival data analysis. Document analysis was conducted using the County’s policy and procedure manual and archival data such as case plans and chronological notes were used as a supplemental data collection method as well. A systematic sample of archival data was conducted of 21 youth randomly selected from a total of 103 youth sent to or released from post-adjudication facilities in Williamson County, during 2004 – 2005. Results: Overall, the Aftercare Program in Williamson County adheres to the practical ideal type model developed through the literature, but could improve services by: providing set guidelines in Policy and Procedure, providing specialized training for Aftercare Officers, developing a specialized Aftercare Team, and providing staff development through ongoing training and evaluation.

Exploring the Effects of Specialized Sexual Behavior Treatment of Recidivism

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Kelm, Charles, "Exploring the Effects of Specialized Sexual Behavior Treatment of Recidivism" (2005). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 30.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/30

As adult sexual offenders admitted to an increasing number of offenses committed in their youth, the legal system,... more As adult sexual offenders admitted to an increasing number of offenses committed in their youth, the legal system, policy makers, and law enforcement officials began to take juvenile sexual offenses seriously. Due to this, and the belief that juveniles can be rehabilitated, treatment programs for juvenile sexual offenders have increased in number. This paper evaluates the impact of two specific treatment programs in Texas.

This research assesses the impact of two specific treatment programs (specialized and general) operated by the Texas Youth Commission in reducing the likelihood of re-incarceration in juvenile sexual offenders. A sample group of 969 juvenile sexual offenders was obtained from the records of the Texas Youth Commission and reduced to 369 youth that had been released for the same three-year period. Each youth had an identified need for specialized sexual behavior treatment. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the significance of the impact of each treatment program in reducing recidivism (re-incarceration).

The research hypotheses state that specialized sexual behavior treatment programming and general resocialization treatment programming will reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration in juvenile sexual offenders. Results supported both hypotheses. Further research should be conducted assessing the effectiveness of individual treatment components in reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

Substance Treatment in the Juvenile Probation Population: An Assessment of the Current Practices of Williamson County Juvenile Probation

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Miller, Kevin W., "Substance Treatment in the Juvenile Probation Population: An Assessment of the Current Practices of Williamson County Juvenile Probation" (2008). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 277.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/277

Purpose: The first purpose of this study is to describe the practical ideal characteristics of an effective substance... more Purpose: The first purpose of this study is to describe the practical ideal characteristics of an effective substance treatment program for juvenile probation departments based on a review of the literature. The second purpose is to conduct a case study and assess the current practices of Williamson County Juvenile Services. Finally, this study will present recommendations to assist juvenile probation departments in Texas by more effectively supervising youth who have an ideation toward drug use. Methodology: The methodologies used in this case study of Williamson County Juvenile Services include structured interviews, document analysis, and archival data analysis. Document analysis was conducted by reviewing the County’s policy and procedure manual, department pamphlets, and pamphlets from organizations which offer services to families who have children supervised by the probation department. Archival data used included case plans, chronological notes, probation orders, and deferred agreements. Results: Overall, Williamson County adheres to the practical ideal model for juvenile probation departments. Programs, however, could be improved by offering additional services in counseling, defining current offerings more clearly, and developing policies that specify which services are offered to juveniles under supervision.

An Analysis of Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas: The Role of School Districts’ Wealth, Location and Size

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Garba, Houmma A., "An Analysis of Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas: The Role of School Districts’ Wealth, Location and Size" (2011). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 372.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/372

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine 1) the influence of Texas school district wealth, student... more Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine 1) the influence of Texas school district wealth, student population, and geographical location on referral of minority students to Disciplinary Alternative Educations Programs (DAEPs), as well as 2) the influence of Texas school district wealth, student population, and geographic location on student discretionary assignments to DAEPs. Methods:  Archival and aggregated data on DAEP characteristics were obtained from 207 Texas DAEPs and their corresponding school districts (2009-2010). Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data and test the formal hypotheses. Results: Regression analysis revealed that wealth and percentage of white students in school districts had significant impact on the percentage of minority students referred to DAEPs. However, this relationship was not observed in discretionary referrals. Geographical location did not significantly impact the percentage of minority students assigned to DAEPs, but rural and midsize areas showed some significance on the percentage of discretionary referrals to DAEPs. Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief suggesting discrimination against minority students in referrals to DAEP, this research suggest otherwise. Evidence from this study found no discrimination against minority students? referrals to DAEPs in Texas school districts. Wealth has considerable effect on the percentage of minority students assigned to DAEPs but no significant impact on the percentage of discretionary referrals to DAEPs. Rural and Midsize areas are more likely to make discretionary referrals to DAEPs.

Juvenile delinquency was legislated into existence

by Lucy Joanna

TRANSFERRING JUVENILES TO ADULT COURTS. Recent trends and issues in Canada and the United States

by Rick Ruddell

Written by Rick Ruddell, Larry Mays and Dennis Giever, this study compared the use of transfers of juveniles to adult courts in Canada and the United States.

This paper examines the practice of transferring youngsters from juvenile to adult courts in Canada and the United... more This paper examines the practice of transferring youngsters from juvenile to adult courts in Canada and the United States from 1986 to 1994. The research indicates that Canada and the United States have similar provisions for trying youths as adults. The United States transfers large numbers of juveniles (nearly 13,000 per year recently) to adult courts each year, and most of these youngsters are non-violent offenders. By contrast, in Canada transfers are still relatively rare (521 over a nine year period), and most of these youngsters are charged with violent offenses.

La popolazione minorile detenuta: una fotografia a vent’anni dalla riforma

by Giuseppe Campesi

Written with Alvise Sbraccia, Lucia Re; published in Campesi Giuseppe, Re LUcia, Torrente Giovanni (eds.), Dietro le sbarre e oltre. Due ricerche sul carcere in Italia, L’Harmattan Italia, Torino, 2009, pp. 27-51.

Marginalità sociale e devianza minorile nella periferia d’Italia

by Giuseppe Campesi

Published in: Campesi Giuseppe, Re Lucia, Torrente Giovanni (eds.), Dietro le sbarre e oltre. Due ricerche sul carcere in Italia, L’Harmattan Italia, Torino, 2009, pp. 114-139.

Diritti minori. La detenzione minorile in Italia

by Giuseppe Campesi

Written with Lucia Re; published in: Antigone. Sesto rapporto sulle condizioni di detenzione in Italia, L’Harmattan Italia, Torino, 2009, pp. 166-188.

Capital Punishment and Juveniles.

by Al Patenaude

Patenaude, Allan L. and Megan Reynolds. 2006. “Capital Punishment and Juveniles.” in Barbara A. Sims and Pamela Preston (eds.), Handbook of Juvenile Justice: Theory and Practice. New York, N.Y.: Taylor and Francis Publishing. pp. 521-535.

Diversion and Diversion Programs.

by Al Patenaude

Patenaude, Allan L. and Marc A. Patenaude. 2005. “Diversion and Diversion Programs.” in J. Mitchell Miller (ed.), The Encyclopedia of Criminology. New York, N.Y.: Taylor and Francis Publications. pp. 413-417.

History of the Treatment of and Attitudes toward Children.

by Al Patenaude

Patenaude, Allan L. 2006. “History of the Treatment of and Attitudes Toward Children.” in Barbara A. Sims and Pamela Preston (eds.), Handbook of Juvenile Justice: Theory and Practice. New York, N.Y.: Taylor and Francis Publishing. pp. 3-30.

Immigration and Juvenile Justice - A Cartoon SPANISH

by Dinandrea Vega

NOTE: Accompanies "Helping Minors and their Sponsors Understand Immigration and Juvenile Justice"

Psycoeducational tool for social services staff to use with ORR/DUCS Program minors Psycoeducational tool for social services staff to use with ORR/DUCS Program minors

Helping Minors and their Sponsors Understand Juvenile Justice and Immigration

by Dinandrea Vega

One of five, individually-themed toolkits in the Safe Passages FAMILY REUINIFICATION Toolkit Series. Designed to... more One of five, individually-themed toolkits in the Safe Passages FAMILY REUINIFICATION Toolkit Series. Designed to assist social services staff in working with ORR/DUCS Progam cases.