NCJ Number
10956
Date Published
1973
Length
189 pages
Annotation
FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT OF THE EXPERIENCES OF THE FIRST STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST AT A GIRLS' REHABILITATION HOME (REFORMATORY) IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES.
Abstract
COMMON THEMES IN THE PROBLEMS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENT GIRLS, EMERGE THROUGH ACCOUNTS OF INDIVIDUAL GIRLS' BEHAVIOR AND THERAPY. FAMILY LOVE AND SECURITY ARE SEEN AS PERHAPS THE MOST PROFOUND OF ADOLESCENT NEEDS. DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR IS SHOWN AS OFTEN BEING SYMPTOMATIC OF A NEED FOR HELP. THE AUTHOR STRONGLY CRITICIZES THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUCH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS BY AMATEURS. HE TOUCHES ON THE CONCEPT THAT REFORMATORIES EXIST, AT LEAST IN PART, AS A MEANS FOR ADULT SOCIETY TO TRANSFER PUNISHMENT FOR ITS OWN TRANSGRESSIONS AND TO SUBLIMATE ITS OWN GUILT. THE COMPETENCE OF MANY INSUFFICIENTLY TRAINED JUDGES AND PROBATION OFFICIALS TO EFFECTIVELY SUPERVISE JUVENILE MATTERS IS QUESTIONED.