NCJ Number
143943
Date Published
1992
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This report details the activities of the Massachusetts juvenile corrections system during 1990-91, with emphasis on its responses to budget cutbacks, effective programs, and juvenile offender and offense characteristics.
Abstract
The budget of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) has been reduced by $6.6 million in the last 2 years, while the severity of juvenile offenses as well as the numbers of several types of violent crimes against people increased in 1991. To accomplish more with fewer resources, DYS began sending youths to an environmentally secure Outward Bound program for their last month of secure treatment, eliminated its private transportation contract and began managing its own transportation needs, and made most of the personnel cutbacks in central administration. However, the increasing problems of juvenile violence and delinquency means that more money will be needed. One potential source is Federal funds for foster care payments. DYS is also considering alternatives to reduce the use of residential detention beds. Figures; descriptions of specific programs; and lists of personnel, programs, and program directors