Deinstitutionalization in the Juvenile Justice System (From Children, Mental Health, and the Law, P 211-232, 1984, N Dickon Reppucci, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-109808)

• NCJ Number: 109813
• Author(s): J A Linney
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the impact of institutionalization policy in juvenile justice, with a focus on the use of nonresidential alternatives for disposition.

Abstract

In the last 15 years, sweeping changes have occurred in the adjudication of youth. As the juvenile justice system now functions, there appears to be a greater appreciation of the limits of rehabilitation, and a simultaneous faith in the treatment power of other service systems, notably, mental health. Deinstitutionalization policies have reduced the use of correctional facilities for treatment, but there is more psychological explanation and psychological treatment being supported via referral to other agencies. These reforms may have increased both treatment and discretion through the extensive use of referral and diversion. Deinstitutionalization, thus, has been operationalized as a reprioritization of disposition options, emphasizing the use of least restrictive alternatives and institutional placement only when all else has failed. To the extent that alternative placements are operated by systems other than the juvenile court and juvenile corrections, youth become increasingly enmeshed in other service systems and there may be an effect of net-widening that has important implications for juveniles' due process and liberty rights. 7 notes and 47 references.