NCJ Number
132096
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 12-16
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The need of children and youth in detention for appropriate rehabilitative programs is discussed with emphasis on problems with how juvenile detention is often handled.
Abstract
Although the law does not specify specific diagnostic or treatment programs for detained children, the best available knowledge shows clearly that children and youth must not merely be held in custody during a crucial time in their lives. These youths are the community's most troublesome and disturbed adolescents, who are being forced to associate only with delinquent peers and who lack opportunities for legitimate satisfaction and success. Repressive and punitive techniques, permissive techniques, and inconsistent techniques are almost sure to result in further delinquency following detention. Instead, these children need secure custody; a constructive and satisfying program of education, recreation, and guided group discussion; individual guidance through social casework and social group work; and screening for undetected mental health problems. Professionals involved in juvenile detention care should include caseworkers, social group workers, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.