Management Note

Abstract

Increases in juvenile crime over a ten-year period caused the Idaho legislature to overhaul the juvenile justice system. A state Department of Juvenile Justice and a balance system for juveniles were created, providing an impressive range of services. The Fifth Judicial District has two detention centers that house juvenile probation officers, a courtroom, a judge’s chamber, a clerk’s office, a volunteer coordinator’s office, and an alternative school. A psychologist assesses juveniles before sentencing. Private agencies provide treatment for juvenile sex offenders and drug and alcohol abusers. Volunteers act as mentors for juvenile offenders and serve on diversion boards and youth court programs. An automated juvenile-tracking system is being used by the courts, school districts, police agencies, probation, and prosecutors.