Developing Correctional Facilities for Female Juvenile Offenders: Design and Programmatic Considerations

• NCJ Number: 219851
• Journal: Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 69 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2007 Pages: 58-63
• Author(s): Shelley Zavlek; Rebecca Maniglia
• Date Published: August 2007
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes how the unique programmatic needs of female juvenile offenders can translate into the development of more effective design concepts for juvenile residential facilities.

Abstract

The authors contend that while many considerations impact the design of a secure juvenile residential facility, such as safety, security, and cost, it is programming and space purpose that should guide the facility design. Therefore, in order to consider the design implications on programming, there must first be an understanding of the unique needs and issues facing this population of offender as well as an understanding of female-responsive programming. The five main components of female-responsive programming are described, which are: inclusive, relational, restorative, aware of the social context, and multileveled. Following this discussion, the authors describe how secure juvenile residential facilities can be designed to be more response to and effective for girls. The components of designing a female-responsive juvenile detention facility fall into seven main areas: (1) safety, security, and safe places; (2) privacy; (3) sightlines and visibility; (4) electronic technology; (5) relationships; (6) normative environments; and (7) programming spaces and learning environments. Each component is discussed in turn. For example, the internal layout of a juvenile facility should ideally provide for maximum visibility and supervision while maintaining a minimal reliance on electronic surveillance or security escorts. Visibility issues are important when designing female institutions because girls are at increased risk of self-harming behaviors, such as self-mutilation. In terms of relationships, it is important to place detention facilities close to family and community networks to help ease subsequent release. The authors also note that since so many female juvenile offenders have experienced victimization, empowering them with little things like enabling them to turn on and off light switches can be a tool for rehabilitation. Endnotes