NCJ Number
204562
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 20-22
Date Published
February 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the importance and practice of collaboration among various agencies, organizations, and parties in addressing the needs of juvenile offenders in the Federal justice system.
Abstract
Since the enactment of the 1899 Juvenile Court Act and the 1974 Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act, both of which called for special juvenile court proceedings based on the concept of rehabilitation, two recurring themes have continued to influence the Federal juvenile justice system. The first assumes that the demands on the juvenile justice system have been so great that it has developed into a system that requires more integrative strategies among law enforcement, correctional agencies, courts, advocacy groups, and various social agencies at the State, local, and Federal levels. The second theme is the assumption that juvenile justice will continue to evolve as new demands and challenges are encountered under the influence of an ever-changing population. In an effort to address change through collaboration, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has developed a statement of work of secure and nonsecure juvenile facilities, which states the contract performance requirements for the comprehensive management and operation of juvenile correctional facilities. The objective is to establish contracts that provide rehabilitation and accountability in settings conducive to rehabilitation and safety. This is achieved through a system of written policies, procedures, and practices that are culturally relevant and based on recognized juvenile correctional practices. Contract programs are required to provide each juvenile with at least 50 hours of formal programming per week. Such programming must include education, life skills, job-readiness training, vocational training, counseling, psychological services, recreation and leisure activity, and religious and cultural activities, as well as substance abuse treatment when appropriate. In the case of Native-American confined juveniles, a special effort is made to maintain a support system during confinement and upon release, including visitation and contacts with tribal members, elders, and extended family. In addition, the program must collaborate with community resources to integrate culturally specific elements that relate to a juvenile's distinctive needs. This article discusses other essential components that must be incorporated into operations and procedures subject to BOP oversight. These are staff recruitment, training, and retention; volunteers and community relations; discipline for juvenile offenders; and the assessment of progress and expected outcomes. Regarding future challenges, the BOP is finalizing a statement of work for a secure juvenile mental health facility, so that intensive mental health interventions can be provided for adjudicated Federal juvenile offenders with a wide range of mental health disorders. 2 references