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Juvenile Restitution and the Prosecutor

NCJ Number
103427
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 41-45
Author(s)
H T Rubin
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Prosecutor involvement in all eight stages of the juvenile (monetary) restitution process can enhance victim recoupment of losses and improve juvenile justice in practice.
Abstract
The eight important stages relating to monetary restitution are (1) notification of victim, (2) receipt of victim claims, (3) review of victim claims, (4) recommendation of a restitution amount, (5) establishment of the restitution requirement, (6) facilitation of payments by juveniles, (7) enforcement of juvenile defaults, and (8) disbursements to victims. Prosecutors should review the approach and timing of the written notification forms sent to victims. Prosecutors can help to ensure the effectiveness of the notification process by having personnel compile data on loss statements solicited and the number of claims received and by calling attention to low receipt rates. Prosecutors should review victims' claims and clarify the responsibility of juveniles for making restitution. Prosecutors also should encourage job programs to facilitate compliance with restitution requirements and should advocate statutory clarification of the restitution requirement and its conditions. Prosecutors can assist in the development of written policies and procedures for dealing with defaults and for specifying cases in which court reviews should be sought. Finally, prosecutors can aid in the development of policies for deferred payment of monetary restitution and for its disbursement to victims. 17 footnotes.