NCJ Number
64712
Date Published
1974
Length
49 pages
Annotation
INTERVIEWS WITH MASSACHUSETTS CORRECTIONS OFFICIALS REVEAL STATE EFFORTS TO REFORM ITS PRISON SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE REPORT COVERS THE BEGINNING OF THE MASSACHUSETTS JUVENILE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM WITH THE FOUNDING OF THE LYMAN SCHOOL IN 1846. IT ALSO DESCRIBES THE CLOSING DOWN OF ALL BUT ONE OF THE STATE'S JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES (DYS). THE COMMISSIONER DISCUSSES CURRENT JUVENILE OFFENSES, PROBLEMS OF FEMALE DELINQUENTS, AND THE NATURE OF THE DELINQUENCY SYSTEM. ALSO DESCRIBED IS THE PURCHASE OF SERVICE PROGRAM, THE ADVANTAGES OF USING PRIVATE RATHER THAN STATE AGENCIES, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GROUP HOMES IN THE COMMUNITY, THE SCOPE OF DYS CUSTODY, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE COSTS. REFORMS DESCRIBED BY THE HEAD OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PRISON SYSTEM IN 1972 INCLUDE THE FURLOUGH PROGRAM DEVELOPED IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRERELEASE CENTERS, AND THE ATTEMPTS TO UPGRADE WALPOLE PRISON. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD OF THE GUARD UNION IS ALSO INCLUDED. (AOP)