MASSACHUSETTS JUVENILE JUSTICE - DE-INSTITUTIONALIZATION ON TRIAL

• NCJ Number: 34355
• Journal: Science Volume: 192 Issue: 4238 Dated: (30 APRIL 1976) Pages: 447-451
• Author(s): C HOLDEN
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: American Assoc for the Advancement of Science
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS ARTICLE TRACES THE HISTORY THE MASSACHUSETTS MOVE TO COMMUNITY-BASED JUVENILE CORRECTIONS, REVIEWS THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED BY THE SYSTEM'S SUPPORTERS AND DETRACTORS, AND DISCUSSES BENEFITS OF THE SYSTEM.

Abstract

IT IS NOTED THAT DE-INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS IN MASSACHUSETTS TOOK PLACE VERY RAPIDLY. THIS CAUSED SEVERAL MAJOR PROBLEMS, INCLUDING LACK OF PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES FOR YOUTH, DISPLACEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL STAFF, AND PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL. PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE RECENT PUBLIC DISAFFECTION WITH THE CONCEPT OF REHABILITATION AND THE DESIRE FOR MORE 'SECURITY' ARE OUTLINED. THE EARLY ABSENCE OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PROGRAMS IS DISCUSSED AS WELL. IT IS NOTED THAT IN SPITE OF THESE PROBLEMS, STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE RECIDIVISM RATES HAVE NOT INCREASED AND THAT COSTS OF THE COMMUNITY BASED SYSTEM SEEM LOWER THAN THOSE OF INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEMS. NATIONAL TRENDS TOWARD COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS ARE BRIEFLY REVIEWED.