Preliminary findings from a pilot study of juvenile court intake decisions

• In Event: Juvenile Court Intake, Transfer and Direct File Decisions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of an intake risk screening tool designed to help courts determine whether to divert (i.e., take no action or warn, counsel, and release), handle informally, or formally handle (i.e., petition) youth court referrals. A brief risk screening, risk-level classification, and decision-making support guide was developed via retrospective data analysis and consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from the juvenile justice system. Project staff identified and recruited six youth courts to participate in a 12-month pilot study in which they agreed to implement the new intake screening tool and collect data needed to evaluate the predictive validity of the new intake instrument. While some sites implemented the process as outlined in the project orientation and training meetings, there was inconsistent application of the tool and some sites continued using previously established heuristics to make intake decisions. Sites varied in their use of and reasons for overriding the recommended case handling decision which is based on severity of the offense and the total risk score. Quantitative and qualitative (i.e., interviews with intake staff and judges) findings on intake decisions by sites will be discussed.

Authors

• Sheena Gardner, Mississippi State University

• Angela Robertson, Mississippi State University

• Sierra Nelson, Mississippi State University