Contemporary technology in the development of an optimal juvenile investigation

The capacity of juvenile courts to aid troubled youth depends upon the quality of information upon which dispositional decisions are based. Difficulties in accomplishing adequate juvenile investigations compromise the courts' ability to achieve their objectives. Deficiencies in traditional juvenile investigations are identified, and characterized as including conceptual, procedural, and manpower problems. Some basic requirements of an “optimal” juvenile investigation are presented. The authors' Computer Assisted Regional Evaluation System is used to illustrate how contemporary technological advances in on-line computer systems can provide a basis for accomplishing such optimal investigations, can facilitate the achievement of the objectives of the juvenile justice system and, at the same time, upgrade the capabilities of its juvenile probation workers.