U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Reforming Juvenile Justice Through Comprehensive Community Planning

NCJ Number
218229
Author(s)
Barry Krisberg Ph.D.; Giselle Barry; Emily Sharrock
Date Published
2007
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the transformation of the Comprehensive Community Planning model, and addresses lessons learned from the pilot sites, results of the pilot sites, the expansion of the community planning process, and the benefits to the community.
Abstract
The Comprehensive Community Planning process held out the promise of research-based strategies and a greater emphasis on actually reducing youth crime. The model argued for inclusion; a wide range of people working together to solve difficult community problems. Training and technical assistance events created a “safe environment” in which community leaders could explore their concerns and start a process of problem-solving. The experience of the initial communities suggests that there are productive ways in which the Federal Government can interact with and assist local initiatives. It also offers a wealth of experience about how to promote interdisciplinary, multi-agency responses to the needs of the most vulnerable and troubled young citizens. Comprehensive Community Planning consists of a series of approved tools to help communities achieve this vision. In the early 1990s, the juvenile court was under siege and conservative critics declared it a failure. Get tough policies began to sweep legislative forums. However, the principles of the Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders resonated with local sentiment in most communities. Community members wanted research based information and objective information on promising prevention and treatment programs. This paper supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention presents the three pilot sites: Fort Myers, FL; Jacksonville, FL; and San Diego County, CA selected as highly motivated to try this Comprehensive Community Planning approach under the Comprehensive Strategy. It discusses their successes, expansion, and the benefits to the community. References and appendix