NCJ Number
85709
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Improvement in juvenile correctional institutions requires more research into the effectiveness of such institutions, a more humane environment, better trained and more committed staff, rethinking of the role of treatment, and more attention to the linking of aftercare with the institutional experience.
Abstract
Most of the criticisms of juvenile correctional institutions in the 1970's are still justified, such as that they are characterized by violence, are criminogenic and inhumane, and are too expensive. If juvenile correctional institutions are to improve, research should be conducted on the following issues: (1) variations in institutional impact between single-sex and coeducational training schools, (2) the creation of a milieu that will encourage juveniles to become more responsible for their behavior, (3) how to effect systemwide change in a State correctional system, (4) the identification of the ingredients of effective institutional programs, and (5) the most effective methods for working with hardcore juvenile offenders. Further, if juvenile institutions are to be less harmful to residents, staff must be selected more carefully, and they should receive better training, higher salaries, and more job recognition. Research indicates that the more normalized an institutional setting, the less violent and criminogenic is the peer culture. This means residents should be safe from victimization and have frequent community contacts. Treatment programs should use a variety of treatment methods matched to the needs and personality of each offender. Treatment should be voluntary. Youth should continue to receive counseling and various kinds of support in adjusting to the community after release. The most effective institutional model is one where residents are clearly informed of the various consequences of unacceptable behavior and where consequences are consistently implemented. This encourages responsible behavior. Seventeen footnotes are listed.