Mr. Roberts, Chief Probation Officer, wants to apply a more systematic and scientific process to the supervision and treatment of youth placed on probation. Youthville, a secure custody facility for serious juvenile offenders, is under a court order to reduce its population because of overcrowding. The staff must determine which youth can be released on probation without jeopardizing the community's or the youth's safety. The characteristics and situations of youth entering the juvenile justice system are quite diverse, as the first three examples illustrate. 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.