NCJ Number
134535
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The highlights of the activities of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) are reported on for the 1989-1990 period.
Abstract
Highlights include the awarding of a Federal grant for substance abuse treatment in 5 secure treatment facilities and in 8 residential group homes and an HIV/AIDS program designed to elevate awareness, to train staff in AIDS-related issues, and to counsel youth on AIDS issues. The Supreme Judicial Court ruling on contempt of court cases states that a judge does not have the authority to order a child to attend school and that it was illegal to find the child in contempt of court and to be committed to the Department of Youth services. The report presents an update on Chapter One, a Federally funded education program within DYS, which received a national recognition and validation award in 1989. The concept of community- based detention is being considered as a less expensive community option in place of the costly secure and shelter care units. In December 1990, bill #6124 was signed into law calling for automatic transfer hearing for juveniles charged with murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Program descriptions are provided for secure treatment, secure detention, transitional management programs, shelter care, group care, foster care, and non-residential services. 4 figures