March, 2008 — This report summarizes findings from NCCD's outcome evaluation of Parents Anonymous^®, a family strengthening and child maltreatment prevention program.

July 30, 2007 — The final report for NCCD's outcome evaluation of Parents Anonymous^®, a mutual support group for parents which aims at strengthening families and reducing child maltreatment. Parents Anonymous^® was found to be a promising program for reducing child maltreatment. The project was funded by OJJDP.

July 2002 — The final report for NCCD's process evaluation of Parents Anonymous^®, a mutual support group for parents which aims at strengthening families and reducing child maltreatment. Parents Anonymous^® was found to be a promising program for reducing child maltreatment. The project was funded by OJJDP.

July 2001 — OJJDP has released a bulletin written by NCCD staff that reviews research on the link between childhood maltreatment and juvenile and adult offending. In addition, the bulletin reviews how child protective services' prevention efforts can play a role in delinquency prevention and intervention. By Richard Wiebush, Raelene Freitag, and Christopher Baird.

November 1996 — Available for purchase ($12.00).

February 2009 — A comparison of crime indicators with incarceration rates against the backdrop of economic recession or expansion. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D., Carolina Guzman, and Linh Vuong.

September 2008 — The death of a 16 year-old girl, shot and killed by her 17 year-old boyfriend in Oakland, California, epitomizes the potential of interpersonal violence to escalate to a tragic extreme (Contra Costa Times, 2008). This Focus attempts to bring to light various aspects of a little-studied issue of critical importance, especially to youth. By Antoinette Davis, MPP.

June 2008 — NCCD responds to a report by a Washington think tank on a supposed "Impending Crime Wave."

In February, 2008, the Third Way, which defines itself as a "nonprofit, nonpartisan strategy center for progressives," released a significant policy statement entitled, The Impending Crime Wave. This paper describes the convergence of what the Third Way conceives of as four new and menacing sociological trends, which, together with recent federal disengagement from crime fighting, allegedly threaten a new and devastating wave of crime in America. By Carolina Guzman and Chris Tsukida.

June 2006 — The San Francisco Safety Network surveyed 2,400 San Francisco community members about their perceptions of public safety. The one-month survey, the largest of its kind, calls for improved police interaction, enhanced youth services, and safer streets and parks. In the course of administering the survey, the organizers found that what is most important to community members is having a feeling of safety and well being in their neighborhood. Nearly 44% of community members reported feeling somewhat unsafe or unsafe in their neighborhood, with one third reporting they had either experienced or had been exposed to some form of unsafe event such as harassment, assault, drug use, or robbery. Public transportation, local parks, and the streets were also listed as the main areas in their neighborhoods where people felt unsafe.

The analysis for this report was provided by NCCD. For more information about the survey, please contact Quintin Mecke at (415) 505-2417 or qmecke@jcyc.org or Carolina Guzman at (510) 208-0500 or cguzman@sf.nccd-crc.org.

November 1996 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By James Austin, Ph.D. and Robyn Cohen.

Available for purchase ($5.00). America's crime rate is increasing and will remain intolerably high under current criminal justice, economic, educational, and social welfare polices. The criminal justice system, by itself, can have only a very limited impact on crime rates. The most effective crime-reduction strategy must focus on social and economic factors known to be related to high crime rates. All sectors of our society including government, corporations, religious groups, communities, and charitable organizations must be part of this crime-reduction strategy. Although both short- and long-term strategies are needed, it will require a ten-year effort involving all segments of society before the full effect of these policies for reducing the crime rate will be realized.

February 1995 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By Perry Johnson and Bill Kime.

1987 — Available for purchase ($3.50). By Elliot Currie.

September 1995 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By Sandra Tunis, Ph.D.

February 1994 — Photocopy available for purchase ($3.00). It has been well-documented that drug arrests are a major factor in increases in jail and prison populations. In light of this, there is a growing interest in treatment programs, both in and out of custody. However, there is a debate regarding the effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing recidivism and drug use. The question of whether jail drug treatment is a cost-effective investment depends in part on the results achieved by the program, whether through reduced recidivism or lowered in-custody incident rates. If recidivism is lower for participants than for comparable nonparticipants, then we can assume that the higher "costs" of these programs are offset by tangible savings to the criminal justice system and by less tangible, but significant savings to the community. By Sandra Tunis, Ph.D.

1991 — Available for purchase ($3.50). The "War on Drugs" now being waged by the federal government has stirred controversy, not only among members of the public, but also in the ranks of respected drug abuse researchers and service professionals. We must realize that a policy of interdiction and punishment, standing alone, cannot be successful in the war against substance abuse. The current federal drug strategy can and should be modified immediately, so that it can be more effective, more relevant to the causes of abuse in urban neighborhoods where drug abuse is rampant, and ultimately more cost-effective. The intent of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency's (NCCD) drug policy statement is to promote sensible drug control policies that are revenue neutral, in the sense that they do not impose additional government costs or tax burdens over the long term. By David Steinhart.

February 2009 — An NCCD critique of risk assessment models used in the justice system challenges conventional wisdom in the field and recommends improvements for greater validity, reliability, and equity. By Christopher Baird.

February 2009 — Cuts in juvenile justice funding during the Bush Administration and recommendations for restored and improved support for youth and their families. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Linh Vuong.

January 2009 — A special account of abuse of youth in custody in California, Texas, Florida, and Indiana and recommendations for reform. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

December 2008 — Evaluation and comparison of two federal bills on gangs—the Youth PROMISE Act (HR 3846) and the Gang Abatement Act (HR 3547/S 456)—in the context of what is known to be effective. By Linh Vuong and Fabiana Silva.

August 2008 — A review of data from OJJDP shows that overall numbers and rates of custody for youth have declined nationwide in the decade since 1997. We examine custody trends by individual states, gender, race/ethnicity, and offense type. By Antoinette Davis, Chris Tsukida, Susan Marchionna, and Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

March 2008 — This FOCUS presents an analysis of the differential treatment of Native American youth in the nation's juvenile justice system. By Christopher Hartney.

February 2008 — This FOCUS presents NCCD research on racial and ethnic disproportion in the Alameda County juvenile justice system. By Dr. Isami Arifuku and Sharan Dhanoa.

May 2007 — NCCD is one of four partners in a new collaboration, funded by the Haigh-Scatena Foundation. The goal of the California Juvenile Justice Reentry Partnership is to improve outcomes for youth released from juvenile justice facilities. NCCD will help develop new aftercare models for girls. The other partners are Commonweal, the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, and the Youth Law Center.

March 2007 — This publication highlights some of the innovative services and programs available for API youth, located throughout the United States.

February 2007 — With funding from The California Endowment, NCCD brought members of Youth Radio and New America Media to New York to share in the NCCD Centennial celebration. They met local young people who work on youth justice issues. This report documents the events of their trip.

February 2007 — New poll reveals the US voting public's feelings on youth and the justice system. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Susan Marchionna.

January 2007 — This report details the accumulated disadvantage for youth of color as they move through the juvenile justice system and, too often, into the adult system.

January 2007 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

December 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

October 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

September 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

June 2006 — This fact sheet presents statistics and issues related to persons under the age of 18 involved in the adult criminal justice system in the US, regardless of whether their state considers them adults or juveniles. By Christopher Hartney.

March 2006 — This report presents key findings from an assessment of demographic, education and juvenile justice data for West Contra Costa County, California, with a focus on the city of Richmond, California. The data illustrate the status of API youth in this county, providing a portrayal that often differs from common stereotypes about their success. The report also includes comparative data for other racial/ethnic groups. By Poonam Juneja of NCCD in partnership with the West Contra Costa County Southeast Asian Youth & Family Alliance.

August 2005 — The National Council on Crime and Delinquency was sponsored by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to independently study and assess the quality of care in juvenile detention facilities in Florida and how effectively resources are being used.

This study is a fair assessment of the conditions of confinement, needs of youth entering the system, and services received as reported by youth and staff. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Vanessa Patiño, MPA.

August 2005 — The National Council on Crime and Delinquency was sponsored by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to independently study and assess the quality of care in juvenile detention facilities in Florida and how effectively resources are being used.

This summary provides major findings from the study and recommendations based on these findings. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Vanessa Patiño, MPA.

March 2005 — This report presents the findings from a five-year, multi-site evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of the Intensive Aftercare Program, which was sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). By Richard G. Wiebush; Dennis Wagner, Ph.D.; Betsie McNulty, Ph.D.; Yanqing Wang; and Thao N. Le, Ph.D.

October 2004 — This article spells out the continuing "war against the young," and the increased punitiveness and criminalization of youth behavior in the courts, legislatures, media, schools, and on the streets. Dr. Krisberg examines three case studies in California of struggles over pertinent legislation and concludes by describing the latest evolution in reform strategies, with youth as key leaders. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

March 2004 — Comprehensive Community Planning is a model that emphasizes prevention, intervention, community-building, and a reliance on research as the basis for an approach to solving problems of youth crime. The model was tested in three pilot sites, Fort Meyers, FL, Jacksonville, FL, and San Diego County, CA. This publication details the planning process in each of these sites, the lessons learned, and the various benefits to the communities involved. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D., Giselle Barry, and Emily Sharrock.

March 2004 — The National Council on Crime and Delinquency conducted a study to determine the potential benefits to Florida of adopting a data-driven approach to juvenile corrections that is based on the best national research. This study seeks to complement the ongoing work of the Florida Office of Program Policy and Government accountability (OPPAGA).

In this study, NCCD has assessed the potential impact of alternative program and policy options, and provided recommendations that move toward a model continuum of graduated sanctions. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Vanessa Patino, MPA.

December 2003 — By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

September 2003 — By Christoper Hartney, Theresa McKinney, Laura Eidlitz, and Jessie Craine.

March 2002 — Lack of access to high quality health care is a problem for most low-income people, but especially for young people in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, adolescence is a particularly difficult developmental stage for youth, one requiring special emphasis on health care provision. The lack of adequate early intervention into the wide ranging health needs of many youths contributes to longer stays in foster care and deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system. The purpose of this report is to outline the health care needs and obstacles to health care access for foster care and juvenile justice youths, particularly adolescents, and to make recommendations for improvement. By Christopher Hartney; Madeline Wordes, Ph.D.; and Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

May 2002 — Teenagers are twice as likely as any other age group to be victims of violent crime, and one in five teenagers report being the victim of a violent crime, according to a new report released today. The single greatest factor in predicting criminal behavior on the part of teenagers, the report also found, was not teenage pregnancy, drug use, or truancy, but whether they had been a victim of crime.

This publication provides a new and comprehensive analysis of existing—but largely unnoticed—research and data on the crime experiences of American teenagers ages 12-19, who make up about 14 percent of the general population, but represent 25 percent of victims of violent crime. By Madeline Wordes, Ph.D. and Michell Nunez, M.A.

July 2002

Jan 2001

November 2001 — Juvenile detention is the entry way into the juvenile justice system and the cornerstone upon which the system is built. At the point of detention, most of our young people face the bleakness of their likely futures. Unfortunately, being incarcerated in a detention facility is a strong predictor of continuing incarceration in the juvenile and adult justice systems.

The report, "Facing the Future: Juvenile Detention in Alameda County," highlights how the effect of incarcerating youth in detention facilities is felt most acutely in minority communities. While African Americans make up approximately 15 percent of total population in the Alameda County, they comprise the majority (61 percent) of the bookings into juvenile hall. In fact, 89 percent of the youth admitted to the Alameda County juvenile hall are children of color. By Madeline Wordes, Ph.D.; Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; and Giselle Barry.

September 2000 — Alameda County is California's seventh most populous county, a region of enormous scope and diversity. The Alameda County Probation Department was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in 1998 to develop a risk assessment for probation placement cases.

1999 — This report presents the findings of the national evaluation of Community Assessment Centers sponsored by the Office of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The report was prepared by NCCD for the years 1997 through mid-year 1999. The evaluation covers four sites, two planning, and two implementation/enhancement sites. The full report describes and assesses program implementation and preliminary outcomes and provides detailed site-specific reports.

1997 — Available for purchase ($3.50). By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

November 1997 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By Kelly Dedel, Ph.D.

1996 — Available for purchase ($3.50). By Marsha Rosenbaum.

1996 — Available for purchase ($3.50). By United States Attorney General Janet Reno and New Jersey Governer Christine Todd Whitman.

1994 — Available for purchase ($3.50). America appears to be in the midst of a crisis of violence among the nation's youth that requires the urgent implementation of policies incarcerating increasing numbers of our young people. However, the facts suggest otherwise. Actually, incarceration rates reflect policy choices and are not driven by public safety needs. Public policy needs to be redirected toward implementing strategies that will be successful both in the fight against crime as well as ensuring that the nation's youth have a stake in the continued success of our society. By Michael Jones and Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

May 1993 — Available for purchase ($3.00). Currently, the nation is operating more juvenile residential beds than necessary. The policy of training school over-use is wreaking havoc on both state finances and the lives of incarcerated youths. Studies conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency and the Center for Study of Youth Policy indicate that states could save substantial amounts of public funds by employing objective, public safety-oriented criteria for placing youths in expensive state training schools. It is common for states to spend between $35,000 to $60,000 annually to confine one youth in a training school. Even the most intensive community-based programs are less than a third as costly to operate. Moreover, research has consistently shown that well-designed community-based programs do not compromise public safety and enriched aftercare services can greatly reduce recidivism rates. If states were to move in the policy direction of community-based care, it is highly likely that many young lives could be rescued and many future victimizations averted, all at a reduced cost to taxpayers. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; David Onek; Michael Jones; and Ira Schwartz.

1992 — Available for purchase ($7.50). By Barry Krisberg.

1992 — Photocopy available for purchase ($3.00). The juvenile justice system is beset by major societal forces and does not lack for critics. Several paths are available to guide the future of the juvenile justice system. One direction would amplify the current expansion of punishment and of "holding youth and families more accountable for their misdeeds." An alternative approach entails rediscovering the historic mission of juvenile justice to provide individualized and compassionate care for delinquent youths. The punitive direction fits with current political rhetoric about "getting tough" with criminals. The doubling of the prison population and the large growth in juvenile incarceration are products of the "hard line" approach. Paradoxically, the urge to punish has not matched with public support to raise taxes to pay for a more vengeful justice system. Consequently, conditions of confinement are worsening, challenging basic American values about cruel and unusual punishment. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

1992 — Photocopy available for purchase ($5.00). By James Austin, Ph.D.; Juanita Dimas; and David Steinhart.

September 1991 — Photocopy available for purchase ($3.00). When attempting to answer questions such as what proportion of our nation's juvenile population will be taken into custody of state juvenile corrections systems or how does the probability of those same juveniles differ for males and females and for different ethnic and racial groups, a measure of "prevalence" must be applied. Prevalence refers to the estimated proportion of the at-risk population of juveniles based on several age, race, and sex population subgroups, who are likely to be committed to the custody of state juvenile corrections systems by age 18. Until recently, there was no national data reporting system that recorded on an individual basis, the number and characteristics of youth admitted to juvenile corrections facilities. With the newly implemented State Juvenile Corrections System Reporting Program, we can now generate estimates of prevalence rates for state custody. These results clearly indicate that the problem of minority over-representation in our juvenile custody population is much greater than previously thought and intensifies the already urgent need to comprehend the problem and address this apparent disparity. By Robert DeComo, Ph.D.

October 1991 — Available for purchase ($3.00). Over the past decade, interest in community-based corrections for juveniles has grown while dissatisfaction with the expense and ineffectiveness of training schools has increased. Since 1985, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency has investigated technologies that would make a shift from juvenile justice systems plagued with over-incarceration to those emphasizing community-based care. The application of a public-safety risk assessment instrument to Louisiana juvenile offenders revealed that substantial numbers of youth could be safely managed in well-run community programs. This risk assessment technology, together with accurate, policy sensitive, population forecasting and an intensive review of existing community programs, can substantially assist administrators in moving toward more effective juvenile correctional systems. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; Peter Freed; and Michael Jones.

1991 — Available for purchase ($5.00). By James Austin, Ph.D. and William Elms, et al.

1991 — Available for purchase ($3.50). Contrary to popular belief, juvenile crime rates have declined nationally over the last decade. Nevertheless, the common perception that juvenile crime is out of control has caused policy makers to erode provisions of the juvenile court law and to impose more punitive sanctions for juvenile offenders. This has resulted in higher national youth incarceration rates, especially for minority youth. This Juvenile Justice Policy Statement addresses key issues related to the value and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system today. The policy recommendations which emerge from the discussion represent the informed opinion of the NCCD Board of Directors about the direction which our nation's juvenile justice policy should take as we approach the new century. By David Steinhart.

Available for purchase ($3.50).

1990 — Photocopy available for purchase ($8.00). By James Austin, Ph.D. and Christopher Baird, et al.

1990 —  Available for purchase ($3.50). Presently, California's juvenile justice professionals at the Youth Authority, in the county police and probation departments, and in the juvenile courts, are doing their best to keep pace with caseloads and with the public demand for protection from juvenile crime. Until 1990, a protracted decline in the state's youth population kept juvenile arrests and referrals to the juvenile courts at steady levels. Now the trend has reversed, and California's youth population is expected to rise by 30 percent over the next ten years. The projected increase in the youth population will place new demands on a juvenile justice system already straining under the load. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) has worked with several California counties to incorporate new juvenile justice models and techniques in response to this crisis. NCCD's goal is to highlight a few selected programs that are keyed to California problem areas. By disseminating this information, NCCD hopes to generate interest in the adoption of new juvenile justice approaches where they are most needed in the state. By David Steinhart and Patricia Steele.

1988 — Available for purchase ($8.00). By Leslie Acoca, MFCC and Kelly Dedel, Ph.D

June 2009 — In April, 2009, NCCD commissioned Zogby International to conduct a national public opinion poll about American voter attitudes toward our nation’s response to nonviolent, nonserious crime. The results showed that striking majorities favor using methods other than incarceration to respond to nonserious crime. By Christopher Hartney and Susan Marchionna.

March 2009 — A comprehensive, state-by-state review of racial and ethnic disparities in the adult criminal justice system.

December 2008 — An essay from NCCD president Barry Krisberg on the growth of the prison complex in California and what the state could do about it. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.

January 2008 — A review of 13 major studies in the US and Canada on the accelerated release of prisoners and its impact on public safety. By Carolina Guzman; Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; and Chris Tsukida

November 2006 — This fact sheet makes simple side-by-side comparisons of the most reliable and current statistics from around the world to illuminate the extreme use of incarceration in the United States. By Christopher Hartney.

August 2006 — This report offers policy and program options to be considered in the Special Session of the Legislature on the severe problems in California prisons.

June 2006 — Testimony of President Barry Krisberg before the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission.

April 2006 — In February, 2006, NCCD commissioned Zogby International to conduct a national public opinion poll about American attitudes toward rehabilitation and reentry of prisoners into their home communities. The results of the poll showed that striking majorities favor rehabilitation as a major goal of incarceration. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. and Susan Marchionna.

November 2005 — This policy statement, put forth by the NCCD Board of directors, is a revision of our 1992 "Statement on Criminal Sentencing." We reviewed the developments of the past 13 years and outlined NCCD's positions on issues such as mandatory minimums and the death penalty.

March 2005 — California was once a leader in innovative corrections legislation and programming. However, over the last 20 years, a number of factors have left the state with a huge and dysfunctional criminal justice system in dire need of reform. This publication addresses the many issues that contribute to the need for major reforms in the California corrections system and the first strategic steps toward achieving those reforms. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; Angela Wolf, Ph.D.; and Susan Marchionna.

June 2004 — Over the past several decades, California has experimented with a variety of sentencing policies to reduce crime. Most of those reforms have emphasized punishment rather than rehabilitation. Survey data reported in this publication suggest that the state's public is looking for a reconsideration of these policies. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; Jessie Craine; and Susan Marchionna.

May 1996 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By Darlene Grant, Esq. and Steve Martin, Esq.

July 1995 — Available for purchase ($3.00). By Michael Jones and James Austin, Ph.D.

August 1994 — Photocopy available for purchase ($3.00). By Michael Jones and David Steinhart.

July 1994 — Photocopy available for purchase ($3.00). Prison crowding continues to plague most prison systems. More importantly, it is highly unlikely that the crowding problem will soon disappear. Reducing prison terms is, however, a controversial approach to curbing prison crowding. While the prison system directly benefits from lowered prison populations, there are several potential negative reactions that may result. Crime rates may increase as more prisoners are released ahead of their normal release dates. More importantly, the public may become further disenchanted with what it already perceives as an effective and overly lenient criminal justice system. In this NCCD report, a well-established early-release program, the Illinois Meritorious Good-Time program, is evaluated in terms of its impact on the following four key issues that surround all early release programs: (1) What is the impact of shorter prison terms on controlling prison population growth? (2) What is the impact of shorter prison terms on recidivism rates? (3) What is the impact of shorter prison terms on public safety? (4) What is the impact of shorter prison terms on reducing costs? By James Austin, Ph.D.

March 1993 — Available for purchase ($3.00). Over the last few years, a number of articles and reports have been published documenting the rise in U.S. crime rates and advocating increased use of incarceration to reverse the trend. Supporters have concluded that incarceration, while costly, is less expensive than the crime it prevents, concluding that imprisonment was remarkably cost-effective because each year of prison time saved taxpayers $430,000 in criminal justice expenditures. Advocates of increased incarceration have, at best, presented an incomplete picture to the American public. The huge and expensive increase in the use of imprisonment over the last decade has not led to decreases in crime. It is time to abandon the "prisons pay" myth and move on to affordable intermediate sanctions that adequately protect the public while offering more hope for long-term reductions in crime. By Chris Baird.

1993 — Available for purchase ($10.40). The incarceration rate for female offenders has skyrocketed in recent years. This has spurred unwelcomed growth of the invisible class of infants, children, and teenagers who find themselves without a mother at home. While new legions of children are growing up separated from their mothers, government agencies appear more powerless than ever to attend to the needs of their children, their mothers, and their caregivers. Now more than ever, we must renew our concern and define our commitment to these children. By Barbara Bloom and David Steinhart.

1993 — Available for purchase ($7.95). The past decade has witnessed an interesting experiment in sentencing practices within the state of Florida. During the 1980's, the legislature adopted a number of sentencing reforms including the abolition of parole and indeterminate sentencing and the enactment of various mandatory minimum and Habitual Offender sentencing laws. The Habitual Offender laws state that a population of criminals in Florida are habitually involved in serious criminal activities and are responsible for the majority of crimes committed in Florida. They go on to state that incarcerating these criminals will reduce Florida's crime rate and that the costs of incarcerating those habitual offenders will be offset by savings to public in terms of reduced crime rates and victim losses. Studies conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency conclude that it will be impossible for Florida to avoid either a massive crowding situation or an equally massive prison construction and expansion program, costing hundreds of millions of dollars that the state does not have, unless dramatic and substantial sentencing reforms are immediately adopted. By James Austin, Ph.D.

December 1993 — Available for purchase ($3.00). With the rise in the crime rate in recent years, short sentences are a major concern of most Americans. In actuality, the high degree of states under-reporting prisoners serving time in prisons tends to cloud our perceptions. The level of under-reporting can be traced to factors which are not accounted for by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), who publish information regarding prisoners who have been released from prison during a specific time period in a number of monographs. These factors include data such as the amount of time spent in local jails in pre-trial status awaiting their transfer to state prisons and periods of confinement associated with re-admission to prison due to violations of parole. Clearly, a more accurate method of measuring length of stay is needed to better inform the decision-making process in corrections policy development. By Michael Jones and James Austin, Ph.D.

November 1992 — Available for purchase ($3.00). Research conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency has uncovered an abundant variety of religious responses to incarceration. First, religious participation can help an inmate overcome the depression, guilt, and self-contempt that so often accompanies the prison sentence. Second, inmates may seek a way to avoid the constant threats faced in prison. In many ways, the prisoner's desire for religion is not very different from that of the free-world citizen in that he or she seeks religion to make life more livable. By Todd Clear; Bruce Stout; Harry Dammer; Linda Kelly; Carol Shapiro; and Patricia Hardyman, Ph.D.

1992 — Available for purchase ($3.50). By the NCCD Board.

June 1991 — Available for purchase ($3.00). During the past five years, Florida has embarked on a policy of incarcerating massive numbers of drug offenders. This policy has accelerated an increase in usage of early release, not only for drug offenders, but also for inmates convicted of violent crimes and those with violent criminal histories. Florida today has the highest rate of prison admissions and the shortest length of stay of any prison system in the country. In addition, its already high crime rate has not been reduced but has increased slightly. A more cost-effective alternative, which the state could utilize, would be placing prison admissions in less expensive and more effective community based programs. Such a policy would result in initiating necessary levels of supervisions and services that many drug offenders and other inmates require, reduce costs to taxpayers, and increase public safety. By James Austin, Ph.D.

1991 - Photocopy available for purchase ($7.00). By James Austin, Ph.D.

December 1991 — Available for purchase ($3.00). According to the National Council and Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), prison populations will increase by 35 percent over the next five years under the current criminal justice policies. This rate of growth is significantly lower than NCCD's 1989 estimates of a 60 percent increase over five years. The principal reason for the lower growth rate is a 20 percent reduction in drug arrests, which in turn is reducing projected jail and prison admissions. The declining number of drug arrests are related to the fiscal crisis of state and local governments, drug asset and seizure laws, and lower drug use. However, prison populations will continue to grow despite reductions in admissions due to the passage of mandatory minimum sentencing statutes and lengthier prison terms for certain crimes. Assuming that the 16 states researched are representative of trends that are on-going in other states and the Federal Prison System, the nation's prison population will reach 1 million inmates by 1994. By James Austin, Ph.D.; Michael Jones; and Aaron David McVey.

1990 — Available for purchase ($5.00). During 1987, approximately 340,000 persons were sent to state and federal prisons. The public, influenced by news stories of exceptionally violent crimes and politicians' rhetoric, believe that all of these prisoners are dangerous and should serve lengthy prison terms. However, the facts suggest otherwise. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency's (NCCD) research has shown that the vast majority of inmates are sentenced for petty crimes such as minor property offenses, minor drug violations, and public disorder. Our nation spends an exorbitant amount of money each year (nearly $7 billion in 1986) to warehouse petty criminals. Instead of escalating the use of expensive and largely ineffective prison sanctions, NCCD suggests that alternative options should be launched that will reduce taxpayer costs, increase restitution to victims, and help ensure that these prisoners will not return to a life of petty crime. By James Austin, Ph.D. and John Irwin.

December 1990 — Available for purchase ($3.00). America faces an enormous public policy dilemma. On one hand we are expending a greater portion of our public dollars on incarcerating, punishing, treating, and controlling persons who are primarily from the lower economic classes in a futile effort to reduce crime. On the other hand, we have set in motion economic policies that serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor and produce yet another generation of impoverished youths who will likely end up under the control of the correctional system. By escalating the size of the correctional system, we are also increasing the tax burden and diverting billions of dollars from those very public services (education, health, transportation, and economic development) that would reduce poverty, unemployment, crime, drug abuse, and mental illness. Until the long-term consequences of such a controversial and deliberating public policy are recognized and reversed, the hope for a "kinder and gentler" America will be yet another "unmet promise." By James Austin, Ph.D.

June 1989 — Available for purchase ($3.00). The United States, now with more than 625,000 inmates in prison, has long been recognized as a country that imprisons a large portion of its population. Since 1980, the nation's imprisonment rate has nearly doubled. Presently, over 40 states are under some form of litigation related to crowding or unconstitutional conditions of confinement. As states respond to the pressure of overcrowding, more attention is being paid to comparing states in terms of their use of other forms of control in addition to prisons. States are also concerned with the high costs of these systems. State and federal prison population data, the most obvious means of calculating comparative imprisonment rates, reflect only a single component of a jurisdiction's correctional system and exclude other far reaching forms of incarceration and control, including jails, juvenile facilities, and parole and probation. For these reasons, the domain of prison control must be evaluated in relation to the control exercised by other correctional control systems. If our objective as a nation is to lower crime rates and produce safer communities, these facts argue for a re-examination of a strategy which relies largely on an increasingly expensive and expansive system of punishment and control. By James Austin, Ph.D. and Marci Brown.

1989 — Available for purchase ($8.00). (photocopy only) By James Austin, Ph.D. and Luiza Chan.

December 1989 — Available for purchase ($3.00). In April 1988, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) issued its first national prison population forecast, based on the prison population projections of nine states. At that time, we estimated that these states would expand their prison populations by 21 percent in five years. In this second edition, the 1989 NCCD prison population forecasts for 12 states is even more dramatic, making it clear that the nation's use of imprisonment will continue to escalate unless the states alter their policies. The 1989 projections state that under existing policies, states will increase their prison populations by over 68 percent by 1994. The primary reasons for the dramatic increase in these prison populations is the War on Drugs, which is not only increasing the number of prison admissions but is also increasing the rate of parole violations. In addition, the War on Drugs will increase considerably the already disproportionate rate of Blacks and Hispanics being sent to prison with no positive impact on crime rates. By James Austin, Ph.D. and Aaron David McVey.

1987 — Available for purchase ($3.50). The United States has embarked on an unprecedented incarceration binge. Since the last decade our nation's prison population has more than doubled. Billions of dollars are being allocated to construct tens of thousands of new cells in a futile effort to catch up with the increasing prison populations. But despite this historic prison construction program, state prison systems will continue to be overcrowded. If we are serious about solving the crowding problem we must come to grips with its true causes and the most direct solution to the problem. We need to re-examine how much time is enough for which offenders within the resources available to our state agencies. And we must ask ourselves if we truly want a society that imprisons an increasing proportion of its black, Hispanic, and disadvantaged citizens with no improvement to public safety. It's about time we chart a different course. By John Irwin and James Austin, Ph.D.

November 2008 — A comprehensive statistical data book that focuses on Latino youth in Oakland, California. This report includes statewide and national demographic data. It offers quantitative and qualitative information on Latino youth to community members, leaders, practitioners, advocacy groups, and policy makers.

March 2008 — This FOCUS presents an analysis of the differential treatment of Native American youth in the nation's juvenile justice system. By Christopher Hartney.

February 2008 — This FOCUS presents NCCD research on racial and ethnic disproportion in the Alameda County juvenile justice system. By Dr. Isami Arifuku and Sharan Dhanoa.

March 2007 — This publication highlights some of the innovative services and programs available for API youth, located throughout the United States.

September 2007 — Pacific Islanders represent less than one percent of Oakland’s population and as a result may be overlooked or categorized with other disparate communities. Although small in numbers, this community has its unique issues and concerns including the distinctly different groups that comprise the Pacific Islander community itself. At the same time it shares issues in common with other immigrant communities that should not be overlooked as Pacific Islanders develop a Pacific Islander American identity. By Lila K. Booth.

January 2007 — This report details the accumulated disadvantage for youth of color as they move through the juvenile justice system and, too often, into the adult system.

January 2007 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

December 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

October 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

September 2006 — NCCD and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) present the bulletin for the California Cities Gang Prevention Network. This initiative creates a network of major California cities to combat gang violence and victimization.

August 2006 — This NCCD FOCUS is an update on the community conversations held across California with Latino community stakeholders on the status of Latino youth and the creation of a Center on Latino Youth Development. By Angela Gallegos-Castillo, Ph.D. and Vanessa Patino, MPA.

March 2004 — This report funded by The San Francisco Foundation is the result of a one year collaboration of more than 20 community-based organizations and individuals to identify and address the needs of API youth in San Francisco. This effort was spearheaded by the SAAY (Services and Advocacy for Asian Youth) Consortium. A large quantity of data has been collected that documents how API youth fare in the juvenile justice and behavioral health arenas. Over 300 Asian youth were surveyed on topics such as substance use, depression, coping strategies for depression, anger/stress management, victimization, violence, gangs, and running away. A number of recommendations are made to enhance the ability of API youth to succeed; one that has already been implemented is the creation of the Asian Youth Advocacy Network that is hosting the press conference.

September 2003 — This two-year effort to examine cultural competence involved an extensive literature review, a survey of organizations, and in-depth reviews of five community-based organizations: Asian American Recovery Services (Santa Clara office), East Bay Asian Youth Center of Oakland, Filipinos for Affirmative Action, Helping and Outreaching to Peers Everywhere (H.O.P.E.) (API Wellness), and United Cambodian Culture Club (UCCC) (Cambodian Community Development). By Isami Arifuku, Monique W. Morris, Michell Nuñez, and Mary Lai. Funded by The California Endowment.

June 2003 — Under the Microscope is the first report of its kind across the nation to focus specifically on API youth, including data disaggregated by API ethnicity and gender. The research was led by community representatives, with technical assistance from the API Center staff who analyzed existing national and state datasets, and compiled valuable community agency data. This executitive summary highlights some of the major findings and recommendations in each of three areas: education, juvenile justice, and behavioral health.

January 2002 — This article reviews 34 studies of juvenile delinquency among Asian/Pacific Islanders (APIs) published in referred journals, book chapters, masters theses, and doctoral dissertations since 1970. The author discusses which API ethnic groups have been studied, the ways in which researchers have studied delinquent behavior among APIs and the theoretical models proposed to explain this relationship, as well as empirical findings. Researchers vary widely in their conceptual and methodological perspectives which have resulted in limited and conflicting findings. Researchers are also only beginning to explore and understand important inter- and intra-API differences related to delinquency. The author summarizes the research to date, examining commonly identified risk and protective factors related to delinquency among APIs, and recommends a theoretical orientation for more precise and in-depth research.

November 2001 — In June of 2001 the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, in cooperation with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, convened a symposium to assess the current state of research, exchange information, and establish a tentative agenda for action regarding the quality of life and unmet needs of the API population in the United States. Scholars, activists, community-based and non-profit organizations, educators, law and policy experts, and foundations were all present for this conversation. This report includes many of the data and concepts presented and discusses recurring issues, such as the myth of the model minority, documenting the diversity of API communities, and historical issues which affect federal policies and legislation.

July 2001 — This report is based on data that were originally collected by the Alameda County Probation Department. The data reflect all juvenile arrest referrals to probation (i.e., official court referral) in the county of Alameda from 1991-2000 and are presented in two ways: number of arrests which are reports of events, not unduplicated individuals, and number of unique youths which are reports of unique youths for the given year. Many of the youths who were categorized in the race/ethnic field as "Other Asian" and "Other" can be classified into a specific race/ethnic group by examining the youth's last name. A database of common Asian Pacific Islander surnames and the race/ethnic group that coincides with that surname was developed for the purpose of this project.

July 2001 — This report is based on data that was originally collected by the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department. The data reflect all juvenile arrests in the city and county of San Francisco that were referred to the Probation Department and are presented in two ways: 1) total number of arrests per year, and 2) total number of individual youths who were arrested during a given year. Many of the youths who were categorized in the race/ethnic field as "Other Asian" and "Other" can be classified into a specific race/ethnic group by examining the youth's last name. A database of common Asian Pacific Islander surnames and the race/ethnic group that coincides with that surname was developed for the purpose of this project.

February 2009 — A study, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, of media coverage of youth violence, actual crime data, and interviews with committed youth and the professionals that work with them. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D., Christopher Hartney, Angela Wolf, and Fabiana Silva.

February 2009 — Testimony by Dr. Barry Krisberg, President of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

September 2008 — The death of a 16 year-old girl, shot and killed by her 17 year-old boyfriend in Oakland, California, epitomizes the potential of interpersonal violence to escalate to a tragic extreme (Contra Costa Times, 2008). This Focus attempts to bring to light various aspects of a little-studied issue of critical importance, especially to youth. By Antoinette Davis, MPP.

July 2007 — NCCD looks at which US states have the highest and lowest rates of incarceration, probation, and parole for adult and juvenile women. By Christopher Hartney.

August 2006 — Typically nonviolent low-level offenders, women have been hit particularly hard by California's sentencing and correctional policies and practices. In a system that was designed to respond to male offenders, few programs are available to respond to the unique needs of women prisoners. This special report from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency explains the issues surrounding the incarceration of women, and offers recommendations for reform. By Angela Wolf, Ph.D.

July 2006 — The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) was funded by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to conduct an independent research study of girls in the Florida juvenile justice system. This research describes the risks and needs of girls in the juvenile justice system and identifies the essential set of services and policy initiatives critical to responding to their needs. In addition to the quantitative results, this report personalizes the plight of these girls through their stories and also details the ideas of many staff who work with girls in juvenile justice programs across the state. By Vanessa Patiño, MPA; Lawanda Ravoira, DPA; and Angela Wolf, Ph.D.

July 2006 — The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) was funded by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to conduct an independent research study of girls in the Florida juvenile justice system in order to inform a comprehensive approach to gender-specific juvenile justice programming. This NCCD FOCUS summarizes the new research findings on the pathways of girls into the Florida juvenile justice system and identifies their treatment needs. By Vanessa Patiño, MPA; Lawanda Ravoira, DPA; and Angela Wolf, Ph.D.

March 2006 — This paper presents the results of an intensive investigation of the health care delivery system for women imprisoned in California. Prepared by The National Council on Crime and Delinquency.

October 2004 — By Stephanie Bush-Baskette, Esq., Ph.D. and Vanessa Patino, MPA.

December 2001 — The Reaffirming Young Sister's Excellence (R.Y.S.E.) program was the Alameda County Probation Department's Female Continuum from July 1997 through June 2001, developed in response to the rising rates of female involvement in the justice system and the dearth of services for this population of girls in the county.

October 2001 — Traditional discussions about sentencing policy pay scant attention to the effects of imprisonment on parents and their children. However, the enormous rise in the numbers of people behind bars, especially women, has brought this issue to prominence. By Barry A. Krisberg, Ph.D. and The Honorable Carolyn Engel Temin.

February 2000

March 2007 — This publication highlights some of the innovative services and programs available for API youth, located throughout the United States.

June 2004 — The information is this report is a result of a survey conducted by the Field Research Corporation and sponsored by NCCD. A sample of 1003 adults living in California were polled about their attitudes toward criminal punishment and rehabilitation. By Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; Jessica Craine; and Susan Marchionna.

July 2003 — A program evaluation of the Oakland, California Released Time Bible Education Program. By Monique W. Morris, M.S.; Barry Krisberg, Ph.D.; and Sharan Dhanoa.

1995 — Available for purchase ($7.50). By Frances Terry.

1995 — Available for purchase ($7.50). Compiled by Frances Terry, Sonya Rudenstine, and David Onek.

1994 — Available for purchase ($7.50). By David Onek.

June 1992 — Available for purchase ($3.00). Every year between 800,000 and one million American college students are victims of ethnoviolence. These incidents take the form of racist slurs and posters, racial harassment, and alleged racial intimidation; anti-Semitic remarks, graffiti, and posters; and harassment and threatening statements toward lesbians and gays. However, free speech issues have often overwhelmed the problem of ethnoviolence on our college and university campuses. In formulating policy, university administrators and legal counsel are now considering free speech issues as much, if not more, than the race conflict issue itself. The problem is that focusing exclusively on First Amendment concerns reflects not minority concerns, but the prejudicial priorities of some members of the dominant social order. Our universities as well as our culture must confront the dilemma presented by the extent to which free speech or racial conflict should be given priority. By Charles Jones.

1992 — Available for purchase ($3.50). The National Council on Crime and Delinquency, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Corrections Juvenile Division, initiated a program in the fall of 1990 entitled, "Hand-in-Hand," a volunteer program designed to provide supportive relationships to youths who have been adjudicated by the juvenile justice system. Community-based programs such as Hand-in-Hand can be powerful tools for helping disaffected and troubled youths reestablish a place in the community and in society. Mentor/protégé relationships, often crossing ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds and barriers, are formed and cultivated, giving the youth a strong role model, an understanding of commitment, and a foundation on which to build a crime-free future. By Valerie Boseman.