JUVENILE CRIME IN RURAL-AREAS

Increases in juvenile crime over a ten-year period caused the Idaho le gislature to overhaul the juvenile justice system. A state Department of Juvenile Justice and a balance system for juveniles were created, p roviding an impressive range of services. The Fifth Judicial District has two detention centers that house juvenile probation officers, a co urtroom, 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 far juvenile sex offenders and drug and alcohol abusers. Volunteers act as mentors for juvenile offenders and serve on diversion boards and youth court prog rams. An automated juvenile-tracking system is being used by the court s, school districts, police agencies, probation, and prosecutors.