NCJ Number
86494
Journal
PAPPC (Pennsylvania Association on Probation, Parole and Correction) Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 44-52
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The incapacitation and punitive handling of violent juvenile offenders has been counterproductive, so alternative means should be developed to improve the outcome of correctional programs for such offenders.
Abstract
Incarceration should be the last resort in dealing with juveniles who have committed violent crimes. Other means of supervision and control, short of imprisonment, should be funded by the Federal Government. When institutionalization is indicated, small units (6-10 beds) should be used. Such institutionalization is justified, however, only if the same amount of resources required for institutionalization has been spent on alternative means of supervision and control, without success. Alternative programs as well as incarcerative programs should be made competitive on a purchase-of-care basis. State-provided services for persons in captive or semi-captive roles are notoriously unresponsive and brutal. Corrections should move toward performance basis contracts with private nonprofit vendors, provided adequate standards and monitoring mechanisms can be maintained. Any supervision and treatment program for violent juvenile offenders should include an outside advocacy arrangement that permits the periodic monitoring of services and supervision by someone not a part of the correctional bureaucracy. This person should have authority to recommend removal from a program and transfer to another program.