Youth service bureaus : a partially replicated study of an alternative with particular emphasis upon organization and impact

Abstract

This study encompassed the collection of data on sixteen Youth Service Bureaus (YSB) located throughout the state of Ohio. The purpose of this study was dual folded and because of this sufficient data had to be collected in order that a descriptive analysis as well as an inferential analysis could be performed.

The descriptive analysis provides the reader with information as to a comparison between what literature is available and what was actually found to be. The following was the null hypothesis: There is no statistically significant difference in the number of juvenile justice contracts, before and after the inception of the Youth Service Bureau, for juveniles. The inferential analysis was performed by using a posttest control-group experimental research design. The t-test was utilized to analyze the data, however, a sign test and a kurtosis were also performed upon the data and the sample with the intention of further supporting the findings of this study.

The null hypothesis was rejected by both statistical tests, however, an unexpected result did arise from the sample testing. The kurtosis did not produce a significance and was, therefore, not rejected. The only explanation for this development was that the entire sample of 510 was biased. However, this indicates that probably the entire population was also contaminated. Only further study will be able to shed additional light upon this development.

It is hoped that this study has indeed aided the Criminal Justice System in obtaining additional information relative to the Youth Service Bureau concept.