Youth may enter the juvenile justice system as a result of committing acts that are considered status or delinquent offenses, including property and violent crimes. Youth range in age from early to late adolescence. Some have previous records of juvenile justice involvement, while others do not. At the same time, as depicted in the last two illustrations, there are significant challenges facing juvenile justice professionals who must protect the public, effect changes in youth, and manage resources wisely. This chapter provides an overview of case assessment, classification, and management and addresses these processes from the perspectives of intervening with individual youth and managing organizations.
Juvenile corrections programs vary in their purpose and structure.
Some operate in an open community environment, while others are institutional in nature. These programs face many issues related to the management of populations and resources. They could be dealt with randomly, depending on the personal beliefs, skills, and interests of the juvenile justice personnel with whom they come in contact. They could be assessed, classified, and directed to the programs and services that are most appropriate for them and will provide the level of supervision needed to ensure public safety. The first option is impractical and the third is the most desirable situation.