NCJ Number
48359
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM RELATES THE STORY OF AN UNCOOPERATIVE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR SHOPLIFTING AND HER EXPERIENCES WITH THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
A YOUNG GIRL ACCUSED OF STEALING A RING FROM A STORE WAS ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO THE POLICE STATION. SHE WAS VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH THE POLICE, AND AT HER DETENTION HEARING, THE JUDGE DECIDED TO DETAIN HER UNTIL THE HEARING OF HER CASE A WEEK LATER. THE GIRL MET WITH HER LAWYER, BUT SHE WAS SO UNCOOPERATIVE THAT HE ALMOST REFUSED TO TAKE HER CASE. SHE WOULD NOT USE THE LAW OR THE HELP OF HER PARENTS AND LAWYER; SHE SIMPLY SAID THAT HER BOYFRIEND WOULD HANDLE THE WHOLE PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF HER LACK OF COOPERATION, THE GIRL WAS SENT TO A COUNTY GIRLS' CAMP. THE PEOPLE AT THE CAMP WERE TRAINED IN DEALING WITH JUVENILES, AND ONE OF THE CAMP COUNSELORS WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH TO HER. SHE FINALLY STARTED TO REALIZE THAT SHE WAS WRONG. THE GIRL LATER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HER BOYFRIEND WHICH MADE HER EXTREMELY UNHAPPY -- APPARENTLY HE HAD BROKEN UP WITH HER. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF TALKING WITH HER COUNSELOR, SHE GOT IN TOUCH WITH HER LAWYER AND CONFESSED THAT HER BOYFRIEND HAD STOLEN THE RING. SHE WAS RELEASED FROM THE CAMP AND PUT INTO THE CUSTODY OF HER AUNT AND UNCLE. HER WHOLE ATTITUDE HAD CHANGED AND THE COUNSELOR BECAME A GOOD AND TRUSTED FRIEND. AT THIS POINT, SHE HAD DECIDED THAT IT WAS BETTER TO COOPERATE WITH THE LAW -- THAT WAY SHE WAS NOT IN THE DETENTION CENTER, BUT OUT AND FREE TO MAKE HER OWN DECISIONS. (BAC)