NCJ Number
162100
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 76 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 5-21
Date Published
1996
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the responses of Florida's juvenile court judges to that State's effort to reform its detention intake process by using objective screening criteria and risk assessment.
Abstract
The purpose of the reform was to reduce crowding in secure detention and gain control over escalating populations by using objective guidelines that would produce a rational allocation of detention resources. The initial sample for this study consisted of all Florida circuit judges assigned to the juvenile bench (n=75). Of these judges, 53 completed the study's survey. The questionnaire included a number of items that pertained to judicial attitudes toward statutory changes that restrict detention intake. Five items addressed attitudes toward risk assessment, detention criteria, and the intake screening process. Several items were intended to measures judges' views of the purpose of detention. Generally, the judges were not supportive of detention intake reforms. Only agreement with the purpose of detention showed a significant relationship with support for detention intake reform. Follow-up interviews were conducted to allow judges to elaborate on the underlying reasons for their views of restrictions on detention intake. Many believed the reforms had undermined the court's enforcement ability and the use of detention as a necessity for upholding the general authority of the court. Suggestions for future research in this area are offered. 2 tables and 49 references