Increasing Alternative Sentencing in the Juvenile Justice System Through a Partnership Between Public Defenders and Social Workers

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a partnership between public defender attorneys and the Alternative Sentencing Social Work Field Education Program. An outcome was to increase alternative sentences that match the rehabilitative needs of juveniles in court. Sentencing outcomes of youth receiving the social work program (n = 116) were compared to youth receiving conventional public defender representation (n = 94). A logistical regression analysis found that juveniles represented by attorneys with social workers were nearly three times more likely (odds ratio = 2.72) to receive alternative sentences than those without social workers when controlling for prior record and charge severity.

Perceived Effectiveness of Parent Representation Social Workers by Legal Professionals Involved with Indigent Defendants

“…Although the literature suggests that when social workers and legal professionals collaborate child welfare cases have more favorable outcomes, there is a well-documented history of conflict and strained relationships between legal professionals and social workers within the child welfare system (Buchanan & Orme, 2018;Carnochan et al, 2007;Courtney & Hook, 2012;Geurin et al, 2013;Han et al, 2007;Pott, 2017). Although many studies document the existence of conflict between the two professional fields, to date, there have only been a few studies which examined this conflict's origins (Han et al, 2007).…”

“…Previous research indicates that when social workers and legal professionals work together, children and their families benefit significantly (Pott, 2017). The improved outcomes may be due, in part, to social workers' specific skill set (Carnochan et al, 2007;Geurin et al, 2013;Han et al, 2007;Pott, 2017). Rather than focusing on legal processes, social workers focus on helping each child to achieve the best possible outcome (Geurin et al, 2013;Pott, 2017).…”

“…The improved outcomes may be due, in part, to social workers' specific skill set (Carnochan et al, 2007;Geurin et al, 2013;Han et al, 2007;Pott, 2017). Rather than focusing on legal processes, social workers focus on helping each child to achieve the best possible outcome (Geurin et al, 2013;Pott, 2017). It is vital for parents to have legal representation and guidance in court hearings as they often do not have a comprehensive understanding of the juvenile dependency system.…”

Holistic representation in juvenile defense: An evaluation of a multidisciplinary children's defense team

“…Due in part to the fragmented representation delivered by traditional defense models, holistic defense has become a common alternative approach in juvenile defense (Buchanan & Nooe, 2017; Clark & Savner, 2010; Geurin, Otis, & Royse, 2013; Hisle, Shdaimah, & Finegar, 2012; Juvenile Justice: Geography, Policy, Practice & Statistics [JJGPS], n.d.a.). In general, holistic defense is comprised of four pillars for proper representation: (1) seamless access to legal and non‐legal services that meet client needs; (2) dynamic interdisciplinary communication; (3) advocates with an interdisciplinary skill set; and (4) a robust understanding of the community being served (Steinberg, 2013).…”

‘Make Not Your Prisons Your Prisons’: Participant-perceived Potential Outcomes of a Shakespeare Focussed Alternative to Juvenile Incarceration in the USA

“…This paper considers one Shakespeare-focussed performance-based juvenile programme created collaboratively by juvenile courts and theatre practitioners as an alternative to incarceration in one US state. There is considerable research demonstrating success for alternative juvenile sentencing focussed on reoffending (Guerin, Otis, and Royse 2013;Curtis 2014;Artello et al 2015). Juveniles are defined in this text as children aged 11-18.…”