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Communities in Crisis: Effective Juvenile Justice Programs Involve All Sectors of Community

NCJ Number
170133
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 78-80
Author(s)
S O Simms
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Maryland's effort to refocus the juvenile justice system's emphasis from punishment to restorative justice rests on its recognition that the juvenile justice system cannot produce lasting and meaningful change in juvenile delinquency without the full participation of all sectors of the community.
Abstract
Maryland is developing a system of graduated sanctions that balance the three important goals of public safety and community protection, offender accountability, and competency and character development. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice is involved in partnerships with Federal agencies and six local governments to develop comprehensive strategies based on local concerns and restorative justice principles. Restorative justice depends on community members, suggest and/or implement reparative approaches, and serve as resources for the reintegration of victims and offenders. In addition, community-based prevention programs, mentoring activities, parenting training, and the monitoring of at-risk youths will help reduce the number of juveniles who enter the system. Specific programs include a 4-day, community-based day treatment program, a family-centered program to improve the psychosocial functioning of youths and their families to reduce recidivism and the disproportionate representation of minority males in the juvenile justice system, an alliance with a mental health program to serve youths who may be experiencing severe emotional problems, and service learning opportunities for pre-delinquent and delinquent juveniles and their families. Photograph