NVAA 2000 Text

Chapter 3 Supplement Specific Justice Systems

and Victims' Rights


Section 1, Juvenile Justice

Statistical Overview

Legislation

Five areas of change have emerged as states passed laws designed to crack down on juvenile crime. These laws generally involve expanded eligibility for criminal court processing and adult correctional sanctioning, and reduced confidentiality protections for a subset of juvenile offenders. Between 1992 and 1997, all but three states changed laws in one or more of the following areas:

In addition to these areas, there was change relating to:

The 1980s and 1990s have seen significant change in terms of treating more juvenile offenders as criminals. Recently, states have been attempting to strike a balance in their juvenile justice systems among system and offender accountability, offender competency development, and community protection. Many states have added to the purpose clauses of their juvenile codes phrases such as:

Promising Practices

1. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Juvenile Community Justice staff?

2. Were you treated respectfully and with consideration by the staff with whom you had contact at Juvenile Community Justice?

a. Could you tell us more about your contact with our agency and staff?

3. Was our staff knowledgeable regarding issues that were important to you?

4. What services did our staff provide to you?

5. Were you provided with information about victim services available to you from our agency, as well as other programs in our community?

a. If "yes", was this information helpful and easy to understand?

6. Were you informed about your rights as a victim of crime?

7. Did you receive timely notice of the status of court hearings related to your case?

8. Did you receive information about requesting restitution to help compensate for any financial losses you may have incurred, and to hold the youthful offender accountable?

a. If "yes", was the restitution information helpful and easy to understand?

9. Did you have the opportunity to give input that defined the harm that was caused by this offense, addressed how the offense affected you and your family, and requested appropriate restitution to compensate for any financial losses you incurred?

10. If you had any safety concerns resulting from your victimization, did our agency offer you the opportunity to address them?

11. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Juvenile Community Justice staff?

Two surveys were developed for cases that are processed formally and informally. The victim assessment surveys provide opportunity for additional comments, as well as information about volunteering for the agency. They offer the chance to engage victims in a meaningful manner, and utilize their input to improve the agency's programs and services for victims (Deschutes County JCJD 2000).

- To regard crime victims and the community, in addition to juvenile offenders, as clients.

- To make community restoration and victim reparation by offenders a priority.

- To ensure that offenders understand the impact of their crimes.

- To develop community service options that are valued by communities and crime victims.

- To educate the community about its role (OJJDP September 1999).

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2000 NVAA Text
Chapter 3.1