NCJ Number
125422
Date Published
1989
Length
197 pages
Annotation
This critique of the 50-year history of the juvenile justice system in America shows how the system has failed to act in the best interests of youth, the purpose for which the system was initially founded.
Abstract
A major theme of the critique is the trend toward "distancing" in the juvenile justice system. This involves the positioning of a person or institution so it is difficult to observe the consequences of actions or inaction. The book -- written by a juvenile judge with 37 years experience as a judge -- cites examples of how distancing has affected juvenile justice and pervades both public and private agencies responsible for caring for neglected, abused, and delinquent children. Juvenile justice patterns identified and discussed are inadequate resources for the mission, a recent emphasis on punishment instead of rehabilitation, the failure to ensure permanence and stability for children involved in out-of-home placements, and the failure of the juvenile courts to respond promptly and appropriately to child abuse and neglect. Other patterns noted are discrimination against unmarried mothers, racial minorities, religious minorities, and females and the inadequacy of mental health services. The book recommends leadership by the Federal Government to set standards, to monitor their implementation, to provide substantial funding, and to enforce compliance by all the programs funded. Chapter notes, subject index.