NCJ Number
181606
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 68-71
Editor(s)
Ellen W. Fielding
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The typical individual living on an Indian reservation in the United States faces poverty, alcoholism, unemployment, and violence on a near daily basis, and these unique circumstances affect Native American juvenile offenders under Federal supervision.
Abstract
According to Bureau of Justice Statistics for 1995, U.S. attorneys filed cases against 240 Native Americans for alleged acts of juvenile delinquency. Of the 240 cases, 122 were adjudicated in the Federal court system. About 37 percent of adjudicated juvenile delinquents were committed to a correctional facility, with the average length of commitment being 34 months. In looking at the unique circumstances of Native American juveniles under Federal supervision, the author examines differences between Indian and non-Indian perceptions of crime and the most effective means of dealing with crime. She specifically looks at alcohol abuse, the concept of family, Native Americans as crime victims, and life chances and discusses the importance of awareness and sensitivity in juvenile delinquency prevention. 11 references and 2 tables