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System Processing of Violent Juvenile Offenders - An Empirical Assessment (From Violent Juvenile Offenders - An Anthology, P 117-136, 1984, Robert A Mathias et al, ed. - See NCJ-95108)

NCJ Number
95169
Author(s)
J A Fagan; E Hartstone; C J Rudman; K V Hansen
Date Published
1984
Length
20 pages
Annotation
An examination of processing by the juvenile justice systems in six urban areas of 550 youths charged with violent offenses shows a need for changes in such processing.
Abstract
The practices of plea bargaining, undercharging, waiver, suspended adjudication, and collapsing petitions combined to undermine the ability of the juvenile justice systems to identify and sanction chronically violent offenders. These practices do not serve the interests of the public or the youths. However, they are well entrenched because of few incentives to change and a shortage of resources for services to violent offenders. The juvenile justice system must make every effort to provide accountability as well as quality treatment and services to these youths. Appropriate dispositional alternatives for violent offenders must be fashioned. First, a definition must be devised which links empirical knowledge with special measures and ethical concerns. Second, the definition must be operationalized and implemented so that charges are specified and adjudicated. Finally, resources and alternatives must be created. Tables, footnotes, and 14 references are provided.