NCJ Number
139959
Date Published
1992
Length
47 pages
Annotation
These two reports describe the juvenile correctional reforms recently implemented in Arkansas and Arizona.
Abstract
In Arkansas, the juvenile courts were declared unconstitutional. The Arkansas Constitution had to be amended so that a new juvenile court system could be created. In addition, largely stimulated by Federal class action lawsuits targeted at their juvenile correction and child welfare systems, officials in Arkansas developed plans to overhaul their children's services and have appropriated the funds to develop and improve programs. In Arizona, the youth corrections system was in danger of becoming similar to the adult prison system. Arizona's youth corrections system was housed in the Adult Department of Corrections; the Department's director, under a legislative mandate, was trying to operate Arizona's juvenile institutions the same way as the adult prisons. This policy led to a class action lawsuit that resulted in enlightened reforms. Although it is too early to determine where the reforms in the two States will lead or whether they will continue, the policy changes in these States should be instructive to elected officials and juvenile justice officials in other States with troubled youth correction systems. Tables and chapter reference lists