NCJ Number
175090
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 60 Issue: 5 Dated: August 1998 Pages: 96-99
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Adult correctional systems will have to change their existing paradigms if they are to be successful in providing adequate services to the violent juvenile offenders being placed in them.
Abstract
Documented trends include the increase in remands of juveniles to adult facilities; the creation of hybrid inmates with more social, emotional, and interpersonal problems as a result of the imposition of adult norms on juveniles; and juvenile offenders' safety as the main problem challenging officials in adult facilities. One way staff can change their paradigms is to learn about the nature of adolescent development. The applicable model assumes that adolescence of a process of growth during which certain attitudes, beliefs, and values are explored; cognitive structuring occurs; and skills are acquired. Adolescents' main concern is to identify who they are and what they are able to do; therefore, the role of the adult corrections staff should be to help them in that mission. Their programs should aid the adolescent growth process by supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Without a sound paradigm, staff often regard adolescent behavior as bizarre, unpredictable, without rational basis, and extreme. Better understanding of adolescent behaviors will enable staff to direct these young offenders more proactive. Case examples, photograph, and 3 references