NCJ Number
90462
Date Published
1982
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This study is an examination of costs, experiences, and ramifications of removing juveniles from adult jails and lockups.
Abstract
Congress, in providing for this study, emphasized the development of an estimate of costs likely to be incurred by States in removing juveniles from adult jails and lockups. This interest was stimulated by the addition to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of a requirement that such action be undertaken in the States. Generally, the data indicated that the cost of jail removal is a function of the policy decisions made by a jurisdiction regarding removal. A decision to place all juveniles currently housed in adult jails and lockups in secure detention will result in one cost figure, while a decision to place juveniles in one of several less restrictive noninstitutional environments will create another set of costs. A mix of secure placements and less restrictive options creates a third cost figure. The basis for developing a precise national figure for removal of juveniles from adult jails is not available. Many jurisdictions are not in a position to provide firm cost estimates; other jurisdictions, in responding to questions concerning cost, projected removal costs for a greater number of juveniles than they reported are currently held in jails and lockups. A $118.8 million figure can be deduced by totaling the cost figures provided by respondents to the survey. The figure is based on responses to questions about cost from 60 percent of the jurisdictions surveyed. Recommendations are offered for procedures to use in removing juveniles from jails and lockups.