NCJ Number
123981
Date Published
1989
Length
170 pages
Annotation
After describing the structure of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS), this study traces the outcomes for 819 youth placed under DYS jurisdiction in the 1980's to determine recidivism and cost.
Abstract
The DYS uses criteria designed to institutionalize only serious juvenile offenders and provide a variety of community-based alternatives for other offenders. This study describes the organizational structure of DYS, portraying how the community-based system operates. The study of the 819 youth focuses on their demographic characteristics, record of offending, placement history in various types of programs, recidivism, and the cost of various DYS programs. Findings show a 50-percent reduction in the number of offenses committed in the 12 months prior to commitment compared to the first 12-month post period. Although the chronic and violent offenders continue to commit offenses similar to their pre-commitment offenses, there are dramatic declines in the commitment rearraignment rates. Although the majority of youth will be rearraigned while under DYS care, most will be for minor offenses. There is a clear pattern of involvement in less serious crimes after participation in DYS programs. DYS has lower recidivism rates than youths from other juvenile corrections systems. DYS operates in a cost-effective manner that balances fiscal concerns with public safety. 46 tables, 40 references.