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Reasonable Alternative to Locking More Kids Up: The Development of Jurisdictional Core Groups

NCJ Number
177054
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 13 Issue: Dated: Pages: issue (Spring 1998)-19
Author(s)
P DeMuro; E L Dunlap
Date Published
1998
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article examines alternatives to incarceration for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The article addresses the fact that the United States is locking up a large number of youths based on the "get tough on crime" philosophy, which is supported by the media, the public and politicians. However, the philosophy produces a disparate effect on minority and poor youth. The article proposes a strategy to reduce reliance on secure detention facilities, a strategy based on developing jurisdictional teams. The teams should comprise juvenile justice and community youth workers at all levels and divisions of the juvenile system. The article delineates steps that the core group should follow in order to reduce overcrowding, including: (1) establishing the core group's mission; (2) analyzing relevant juvenile justice data; (3) developing consensus regarding the purposes of secure detention; (4) developing a risk assessment instrument; (5) developing a continuum of detention interventions; (6) determining the role of an expediter; (7) analyzing steps regarding youths facing adult trials; and (8) monitoring and fine tuning actions taken to reduce overcrowding. Notes, references