NCJ Number
126811
Date Published
Unknown
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The implementation of a 2-year juvenile detention demonstration program in Broward County (Florida) illustrates some of the issues involved in reducing the use of secure detention including litigation, non-secure alternatives, objective intake procedures, and interagency cooperation. Broward County was chosen as the site for a detention initiative because its detention center was the subject of a pending lawsuit and it possessed an on-site person with relevant experience and political influence to oversee the project.
Abstract
Broward County possessed some of the elements conducive to a successful program implementation: clear objectives, adequate causal theory, adequate financial resources, an effective implementing official, formal access by outsiders, favorable media attention, supportive social conditions and public opinion, and strong leadership commitment. Following a preliminary analysis and recommendations, the lawsuit was mediated. Some of the issues taken over by the project included home detention, daytime report centers, residential alternatives, and intake screening. The public defender's office became involved in the project to facilitate interagency communication. The project results -- a reduction in detention center overcrowding, a beginning network of alternatives, more consistent intake practices, and some measure of interagency coordination -- indicate a moderate measure of success, however local commitment to the project still appears tenuous and in several areas, specifically those affecting court practices, the project had no impact. 1 table, 1 figure, and 19 references