NCJ Number
41833
Date Published
1976
Length
23 pages
Annotation
BASED ON A SAMPLE OF 1,425 YOUTHS IN 16 RANDOMLY SELECTED INSTITUIONS IN 11 STATES, THIS ARTICLE REPORTS ON THE EXPERIENCES OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN TRAINING SCHOOLS AND DESCRIBES THE DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT OF FEMALES.
Abstract
IT IS OBSERVED THAT PATERNALISM ON THE PART OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSONNEL HAS TAKEN A DANGEROUS TURN WHEN DEALING WITH FEMALE JUVENILE OFFENDERS. THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN THE BEHAVIOR OF BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS IN TRAINING SCHOOLS ARE NOTED. THE AUTHORS COMPARE THE YOUTH'S DELINQUENT EXPERIENCES AND INVOLVEMENTS WITH AGENCIES OF SOCIAL CONTROL PRIOR TO BEING INSTITUTIONALIZED, AND EXAMINE THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF TREATMENT. YOUTHS' ATTITUDES ON THE LEGITIMACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR TREATMENT ARE ALSO REPORTED. FINALLY, THE AUTHORS EXAMINE THE DISPARITIES IN THE KINDS OF DEPRIVATIONS IMPOSED ON THE YOUTHS AND THE KINDS OF MISCONDUCT THEY ENGAGE IN DURING THEIR INSTITUTIONAL STAY. THE STUDY SHOWED THAT GIRLS ARE OFTEN SUBJECT TO CORRECTIONAL PROCESSING FOR LESS SERIOUS DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR, AND THAT CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT FOR GIRLS IS MORE FREQUENTLY RESTRICTIVE AND INEFFECTIVE IN DEALING WITH THEIR PROBLEMS AND NEEDS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...DMC