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Juvenile Detention: Small Facilities With Big Needs

NCJ Number
114737
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 22-24
Author(s)
J D Rees
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Santa Fe County, N. Mex., has effectively operated a small juvenile unit in an adult-juvenile detention facility, through attention to five key components.
Abstract
One key component is the development of a separate identity for the juvenile unit on the organizational chart and through a separate and distinct management structure and staff. Another key component is the maintenance of a positive working relationship with the juvenile court and its probation staff. Flexibility in operation permits innovative programs and activities. The unit management is open to new or revised programs that will better meet residents' needs than existing programs. The unit has been particularly effective in meeting the special recreational and food service needs of adolescents and in using a broad range of community services. The use of community services includes libraries, literacy volunteers, Salvation Army services, health department drug and alcohol programs, and university programs. The involvement of community residents in the unit's program helps build a network of supporters for the juvenile detention facility.