Cited controversy in the literature to illustrate that the failure to replicate research findings and develop successful rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders is due to methodological imprecision. Discussed this in light of recent "right to treatment" legislation and proposed a model for specifying the characteristics of the…

One approach to handling juvenile offenders is the diversion of youth away from formal contact with the juvenile justice system. A diversion program implemented in Adams County, Colorado, is described here. Objectives were to reduce court caseloads, lower recidivism rates, lessen the net of social control, and permit rigorous evaluation. (GC)

Describes personal, social, and political factors contributing toward youth crime upsurge in China since 1960. Describes "Bang-Jab" youth delinquency rehabilitation approach which relies on community system of support to bolster youth's self-esteem and financial security. Argues that bang-jab volunteers understand conditions in their…

Reviews the rationale and concepts involved in the behavioral evaluation of delinquents and provides several approaches and instruments for organizing information about youths in trouble. Provides a format and process for preparing a behavioral assessment report. (Author/LHW)

Families can help delinquents change. Behavioral family contracting applies the social learning approach to a series of family agreements or contracts. It provides structure, a natural system for learning and changing, commitment, and responsibility. (Author/LHW)

Reviews the rationale for social skills training with delinquents. Describes one program that uses discussion, modeling, role-playing, positive reinforcement, and shaping. Presents four scales for behavioral assessment to access social skills, assertion/aggression, violation of minor rules and regulations, and evaluation of the program by each…

Reviews various social learning and counseling approaches utilized by psychotherapists in one-to-one clinical behavior therapy. Behavior analysis, family contracting, and social skills training are used as are other office-based clinical behavior therapy techniques to help delinquents change. (Author/LHW)

Describes three types of theories of crime and delinquency. Notes why arrest, juvenile justice, and probation do not seem to work. Describes delinquent behaviors which are maintained by consequents. Discusses resistance and noncompliance as behaviors to be specified, analyzed, and addressed directly. (Author/LHW)

Reviews the application of social learning approaches to helping delinquents change in institutions. Incarceration is not effective in changing delinquent behavior, and may even foster it through exposure and influence of delinquent peer models. (Author/LHW)

Reviews probation training programs and probation contracting, the application of social learning to this field. Probation and the social learning approach are compatible: both stress intervention and prevention of further problems directly in the natural environment by natural mediators. (Author/LHW)

Presents social learning perspectives on delinquency. Reviews programs that have tried to understand, prevent, or change delinquent behavior in the community. (Author/LHW)

The Juvenile Justice Standards developed by the Institute of Judicial Administration and the American Bar Association reflect a trend away from the therapeutic aspect of the juvenile court and toward due process for juveniles accused of delinquent offenses. (Author/MJL)

Following an analysis of the major forces for institutional change confronting the juvenile courts, and a review of recent federal and state responses likely to promote further modifications in the present system, the author discusses a modified system capable of accommodating demands for basic alterations of juvenile justice. (Author)

This document describes three options for a statewide statistical system for tracking recidivism of juvenile delinquents placed outside their homes in treatment programs. The information is intended for use by the state in allocating resources. The options described involve potential use of juvenile court records, placement data, and/or…

This paper addresses the concept of child advocacy as a service strategy for troubled youth, particularly juvenile delinquents. The shortcomings of more traditional approaches to these youth and the concomitant recommendations for the use of advocacy are reviewed. The lack of clearly specified operating principles and techniques for advocacy…