The past two decades have seen many changes in the patterns of illegal behaviors among youth in Israel and in the way that this has been addressed by the services: there has been an increase in the number of referrals to the Juvenile Probation Service (JPS), the illegal behaviors have become more serious, and there has been new legislation, an increase in police manpower working with youth, and changes in police work practices. These changes presented the JPS with considerable challenges in its work with minors and it became evident there was a need for up-to-date, comprehensive data about the minors and the interventions provided. Accordingly, in 2009, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services (MSASS) – Research, Planning and Training Division and the JPS of the Division of Youth Development and Correction Services – commissioned a comprehensive study.
The study goal was to help decision makers in the JPS learn about and understand the main characteristics and needs of its target population, in order to develop informed policy to improve the interventions provided and develop the necessary programs. The data were collected using an Internet questionnaire completed by the probation officers working with a random sample of 450 minors referred to the service – 150 from each of the 3 units of the service: the Intake, Screening and Assessment (ISA) Unit, the Detention Unit, and the Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit.
The study examined risk characteristics of the minors, the difficulties that led them to illegal behaviors, their contacts with other services for youth at risk prior to referral to the JPS, and the types of support that could help rehabilitate the minors. The findings reveal that the following could enhance the treatment of the minors:
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Strengthening the work on emotional aspects of the minors as the basis for further treatment
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Continuing to work to improve the performance of the minors in their main occupation, in general, studies, and finding suitable alternative frameworks for those who have stopped studying
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Expanding work with the parents
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Providing the professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify minors with learning disorders and to relate to them accordingly in their work
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Increasing work with external services and agencies, which could help promote the minors
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Addressing the difficulties of the professionals as a basis for planning training programs.
The findings have been discussed at various forums of the JPS and MSASS, including the JPS national convention, and at meetings with the district probation officers. The service is continuing to study the findings in order to improve its work practices and adapt them better to the needs of the minors in their care.
The study was funded with the assistance of the Vivmar Foundation, U.K.
Citing suggestion: Kahan-Strawczynski, P., & levi, D. (2011). Characteristics and Needs of Minors in the Care of the Juvenile Probation Service. RR-585-11. Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute. (Hebrew)