NCJ Number
158345
Journal
New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 317-337
Date Published
1995
Length
21 pages
Annotation
In attempting to confront the problem of increasing youth violence in Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services (DYS) has determined it must reinvigorate its vision and missions, move forward in partnership with the juvenile court and law enforcement, and involve the community in youth violence prevention.
Abstract
The DYS is responsible for assuring public safety and preventing juvenile crime, particularly in response to a dramatic increase in the number of youths in custody and in the number of youths charged with violent offenses. Youths held on bail and increasing numbers of dangerous youths are being committed for longer periods of time. Consequently, the DYS is experiencing serious overcrowding and many youth have been inappropriately placed in the community. The DYS lacks sufficient specialized programs, particularly residential programs for female juveniles, drug abuse programs, and sex offender treatment programs. Also, the DYS does not have the capacity to adequately assess the risk of committed youths to public safety and their service needs. Youths being supervised in the community require more intensive supervision. The DYS needs to coordinate more closely with law enforcement, education, and human service agencies and with the judiciary and local communities. Actions must be taken to restore the integrity of the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts, and the DYS must be equipped to fulfill its missions of public protection, prevention, rehabilitation, and integration. Recommendations are offered to improve the juvenile justice system that focus on offender classification, risk assessment, facility and residential capacity, community supervision and crime prevention, infrastructure, and DYS management. 1 table