Keeping Kids Out of Secure Detention: The Misuse of Juvenile Detention Has a Profound Impact on Child Welfare

• NCJ Number: 134530
• Author(s): I M Schwartz; W H Barton; F Orlando
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Reprinted from Public Welfare (Spring 1991), P 20-26, 46

Annotation

The experience of Broward County (Fla.) in substantially reducing the use of secure juvenile detention provides useful policy and practice guidance for juvenile justice and child welfare officials, child advocates, and youth-serving agencies in other jurisdictions.

Abstract

The Broward County Juvenile Detention Project was established to change the country's detention practices and address the severe overcrowding that had resulted in a class-action lawsuit. The 2-year effort included an analysis of existing detention practices, development of detention alternatives, implementation of necessary policy changes, and development of mechanisms to sustain the changes. Strategies used to ease overcrowding included mediation of the lawsuit, efforts to restore confidence in home detention, public-private partnerships to establish a daytime report center and a residential alternative for youths lacking suitable homes for home detention, and the introduction of an objective screening instrument for intake. These measures all contributed to the program's success. The project demonstrated that efforts to reform juvenile detention must involve all the professionals and providers concerned with juvenile detention. Table, illustrations, and 12 reference notes