NCJ Number
95469
Date Published
1984
Length
200 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from a three-phase study implemented in 1982 by the Federal Coordinating Council to gather information on the placement and detention of Native American juveniles. The first phase compiled general information; the second compiled onsite information; and the third phase analysed the data and made recommendations.
Abstract
The study methodology is discussed, and demographic profile findings are examined. American Indian juvenile offense and detention characteristics are explored, and tribal codes relating to the handling and placement of juveniles are analyzed. Support services for Indian juvenile status offenders, nonoffenders, and criminal-type offenders are noted, including local public schools, Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding schools, local hospitals and clinics, and tribal education programs. The data suggest an extensive caseload of juveniles in all categories handled by tribal and Code of Federal Regulations courts. A large proportion of the sample tribal codes had no provisions for removal of status offenders and nonoffenders from secure detention, separation of juveniles from adults, or removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups. Forty percent of the facilities studied did not have smoke detectors, and one-third did not have written fire emergency procedures. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should establish an American Indian Task Force to consolidate resources for juveniles, assess existing conditions, and identify potential programatic coordinated support strategies. Other recommendations are included. Sixty-seven tables, 3 appendixes, and 10 references are provided.