NCJ Number
235824
Date Published
July 2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Based on research that indicates community-based supervision is as effective as incarceration for youth who have committed serious offenses, this paper presents examples of States that have reduced their juvenile facility populations, which has produced cost savings that are being redirected into more effective community-based services for youth.
Abstract
These positive changes result from many factors. Some closures of juvenile custodial facilities have been mandated by legislatures, and others result from actions of reform-minded administrators who believe in more appropriate and effective ways for responding to court-involved youth. Other closures have resulted from lawsuits that have exposed horrific conditions and abuse in juvenile facilities. In almost all cases, however, the changes stem from years of dedicated work by local advocacy organizations, often in partnership with private foundations and government stakeholders. The States whose reform actions are reviewed are Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Kansas, New York, Ohio, and Texas. The report concludes with guidance on how States can achieve the best results for budgets, public safety, and youth by downsizing juvenile facility populations. Recommendations are to treat youth appropriately; re-evaluate which youth are being incarcerated; stay focused on disproportionate minority contact; ensure accountability; keep youth in home-like settings; and redirect funds saved from reducing incarceration to alternatives to confinement. 72 notes