NCJ Number
137610
Date Published
1991
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This juvenile detention project, sponsored by the Alabama Juvenile Detention Project of the Department of Youth Services, presents findings based on an analysis of 1,400 cases drawn from seven Alabama juvenile detention centers during late 1990.
Abstract
Characteristics of the full study cohort described here include youths at intake, alleged offenses, lengths of stay, detention and adjudication hearings, and youths at release. The youths' risk profiles were based on adjudication and placement history, drug and gang involvement, statutory detention conditions, and public safety risk scores. The findings showed that a high percentage of youths are admitted to secure detention on relatively minor charges; many are held for short periods of time and then released into the community. The project recommends the adoption of a detention risk assessment instrument that ensures that secure detention beds are used for appropriate, pre-trial detention. The study also recommends that the State consider seeking funding for and developing a network of non-secure detention alternatives for low-risk youths. Finally, the study recommends that the Alabama Juvenile Detention Advisory Committee eliminate the absence of a parent or guardian as sole criterion for secure detention and continue to encourage improvements and oversight of detention practices in the State.