A Method to Measure Standard Costs of Juvenile Justice Systems: The Example of Italy. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ciappi, Silvio; Dalla Chiara, Elena; Padovani, Alessandro; Perali, Federico; Santagata, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Youth justice. Volume 22:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: juvenile justice -- simulation -- standard cost; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Youth -- Legal status, laws, etc -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Juvenile corrections -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.360941
• DOI: 10.1177/1473225420924123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2254

Abstract

This study proposes a standard costs method to evaluate the total direct costs of a juvenile justice system and applies it to the Italian case. The proposed cost-analysis method based on standard costs by offense-related groups illustrates how it can be implemented for improving the quality of management and cost monitoring. An illustrative cost-benefit analysis of the costs of juvenile justice in Italy shows that investments in rehabilitation programs are highly attractive even during a period of economic crisis and in very different regions.