NCJ Number
112688
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: 363-378
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The present research examined the impact of the restructuring of the juvenile correctional system and of legislation such as the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act using data from the Federal census of children in public and private residential corrections facilities -- both closed/institutional and open/community-based facilities -- for 1950 through 1983.
Abstract
Results show that restructuring did not achieve its goal of reducing and informalizing the justice system. Although increased funding did allow for the treatment of many nondelinquent juveniles outside the formal system in facilities established by numerous private agencies, the existing public institutional facilities were maintained. Thus, while the juvenile population under direct governmental supervision has declined significantly since 1970, the total number of youthful offenders in custody has changed little. This bifurcated system resulted in a concentration of closed facilities in the public sector and open facilities in the private sector. Further, these community-based facilities have had a less than dramatic impact on recidivism and accountability. Legislative reform is needed to heighten accountability and ensure uniformity in treatment and classification. 1 notes, 5 tables, and 30 references. (Author abstract modified)