INTERMEDIATE TREATMENT OF THE YOUNG OFFENDER - SOME COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

• NCJ Number: 19524
• Author(s): J B MAYS
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: 17TH CHARLES RUSSELL MEMORIAL LECTURE GIVEN APRIL 9, 1971 - LONDON.

Annotation

IN THIS LECTURE THE AUTHOR PUTS FORTH HIS CONCEPT OF AN INTERMEDIATE TREATMENT CENTER, A NON-PUNITIVE, SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER WITH A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE FOR THE PREVENTION AND EARLY CORRECTION OF MILD DELINQUENCY.

Abstract

THE CONCEPT PROCEEDS FROM THE PREMISE THAT MOST DELINQUENT CHILDREN ARE BASICALLY NORMAL AND SUFFER FROM DEFICIENCIES IN THEIR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND FAMILY LIFE. THE INTERMEDIATE TREATMENT CENTER WOULD ATTEMPT TO PREVENT THE DRIFT OF MANY CHILDREN INTO DELINQUENCY THROUGH WHAT THE AUTHOR TERMS 'DELINQUESENCE,' AN AMALGAM OF NEGLECT, REJECTION, FRUSTRATION, BOREDOM, AND INSUFFICIENT DISCIPLINE. HE RECOMMENDS MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR NO LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, FOLLOWED BY VOLUNTARY ATTENDANCE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. SUCH A CENTER WOULD OFFER EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND AESTHETIC EXPERIENCES AND WOULD UTILIZE VOLUNTEER ADULTS OF BOTH SEXES. THE CENTER SHOULD OCCUPY ITS OWN SPECIALLY EQUIPPED FACILITY WHILE ALSO DRAWING ON OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR YOUTH.