NCJ Number
137264
Journal
Research Focus on Youth Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The implementation of New York's 1978 Juvenile Offender Law and its impact on the State's residential care system for juvenile offenders are described.
Abstract
At the time it was enacted, the law was considered to be among the toughest in the country pertaining to crimes committed by juveniles. Under the law, 13-, 14-, and 15- year-olds accused of certain crimes are processed in criminal court rather than family court and are subject to criminal sentences, public proceedings, and a criminal record. Data through 1991 reveal that more arrests under the law result in outright dismissal than in any other single disposition, with the percentage handled in this manner increasing sharply in 1987. The admissions to incarceration have fluctuated considerably since 1980, although the length of stay has remained virtually unchanged. Juvenile offenders are mainly male, minority group members, and from New York City. First-degree robbery is the most common crime for which these offenders are convicted. The State Division for Youth operates five secure facilities with a total of 396 beds, and each facility provides a full range of services. Figures and tables