NCJ Number
78628
Journal
Bewaehrungshilfe Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (1980) Pages: 167-174
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The final recommendations of a West German Government commission on juvenile corrections are outlined.
Abstract
The goal of the committee is to establish a long-term approach to juvenile corrections and to develop laws in keeping with the approach. In general, the committee's 1979 findings support replacement of juvenile prison terms and pretrial detention with nonresidential and residential treatment in institutions for juvenile assistance or with other alternative sentences to imprisonment. This can be achieved through improvement of juvenile assistance services and the expansion of special juvenile treatment and education measures under criminal law as well as of probation services. If pretrial detention or incarceration are essential, juvenile assistance measures must be better coordinated with legal measures. Assistance should be planned before sentencing, and transitions from one institution to the next must be carefully arranged to assure conflict-free adjustment. Parole officers should be appointed and begin their activity during the prison term. Pretrial detention for juveniles and young adults, as well as prison sentences for juveniles, should focus on education, treatment, and social training. These goals can be promoted by restructuring the living arrangements in correctional institutions (e.g. initiating small living groups), by improving personnel as well as social and professional programs for juveniles, by treating drug addicts, and by providing special assistance to foreign youths. Opportunities must be provided for counseling and training in pretrial detention. It is emphasized that efforts must be made to revise corrections practices even before new legislation is passed, and a list of specific measures to be implemented at various levels of government is furnished. Prompt revision of juvenile laws is strongly encouraged.