NCJ Number
44024
Journal
Clearinghouse Review Volume: 11 Issue: 7 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1977) Pages: 623-629
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE LEGAL AND MEDICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS BY FORCE TO JUVENILES IN DETENTION CENTERS, JAILS, AND TRAINING SCHOOLS ARE EXAMINED.
Abstract
AN OVERVIEW OF THE MEDICATION PRACTICES IN THESE INSTITUTIONS CONCLUDES THAT FORCED DRUGGING IS WIDESPREAD AND IS USED INVARIABLY AS A FORM OF BEHAVIORAL CONTROL. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED MAJOR AND MINOR TRANQUILIZERS (VALIUM, MELLARILL, THORAZINE) ARE OUTLINED, AND THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF THE DRUGS ARE DISCUSSED. CASE LAW REGARDING THE RIGHT OF JUVENILES BOTH TO RECEIVE AND TO REFUSE TREATMENT IS REVIEWED. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT DRUGS SHOULD NEVER BE USED ON DETAINED OR INCARCERATED JUVENILES EXCEPT IN SPECIFIED SITUATIONS. GUIDELINES DESIGNED TO REGULATE OR ELIMINATE THE USE OF DRUGS ON JUVENILES IN PRETRIAL DETENTION CENTERS AND IN POSTTRIAL TRAINING SCHOOLS ARE PRESENTED. THE GUIDELINES SET FORTH LIMITATIONS ON VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT OR TESTING AND ON THE USE OF STIMULANT, TRANQUILIZING, AND PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.