NCJ Number
74098
Date Published
1980
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This annual report for 1980 presents information and data tables on the characteristics of the 1,261 children committed to the Virginia Department of Corrections in fiscal year 1980.
Abstract
Of the 1,261 children committed 698 or 55.3 percent were committed for offenses against property, while only 208 or 16.5 percent were committed for offenses against persons. The most frequent committing offense was break and enter, accounting for 223 or 31.9 percent of all offenses against property. Assault and battery was the most common offense against persons, accounting for 88 or 42.3 percent of such offenses. Alcohol or drug-related offenses accounted for only 20 or 1.6 percent of all commitments. A total of 239 (19 percent) children were committed for violation of probation. Only 215 (17 percent) of all commitments were female, while 1,046 (83 percent) were male. Black children committed totaled 543, or 43.1 percent, while white children accounted for 718, or 56.9 percent. White males comprised the largest number of commitments with 580 or 46 percent. The average age of all children at commitment was 15.4 years. Average or normal intelligence was the mode for all children committed in 1980, accounting for 49.2 percent of all commitments. The cities committed the greatest number of children, accounting for 699 or 55.4 percent, while the counties committed 562 or 44.6 percent. The months of April and January had the largest number of commitments, while December had the fewest commitments. The largest number of children committed, 29.8 percent, were living with their mother only, at the time of commitment. Information is also given about the medical evaluation of the children committed, including both physical and psychological facts. Educational evaluation, particularly on math, is also supplied. Tables make up the bulk of the report.