NCJ Number
123975
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report of a private-sector task force analyzes California's crisis in juvenile justice, notably in its overcrowded facilities, and offers recommendations for reform.
Abstract
Conditions within the California Youth Authority (CYA) institutions have deteriorated as population levels have risen. California's heavy investment in juvenile facilities for incarceration is fueled by public policies favoring tough treatment of minors arrested for crimes. The Juvenile Court Law of California, founded on the concept of rehabilitation, has been amended to emphasize punishment and accountability as legitimate goals of the system. Legislative changes have promoted the prosecution of juveniles and have contributed to longer sentences. Steady escalations of time served at CYA are reflections of these policies. Some task force recommendations for addressing overcrowding include the use of objective detention criteria, the expanded use of home supervision, the use of nonsecure shelters and other "front-end" alternatives to detention, and efficiency audits or analyses. Recommendations also focus on alternatives to commitments to State and local secure juvenile institutions, the segregation of juveniles in jails and lockups for adults, public/private contracts for juvenile facilities and services, and education and leadership development. For the full report, see NCJ-105471.