NCJ Number
81261
Date Published
1980
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Arguments expressed in this article question the criminogenic effects of juvenile homes and consider possible approaches to criminality prevention for juvenile residents of such institutions.
Abstract
It is contended that, contrary to views held by criminologists and psychologists, being raised in a juvenile home is not necessarily conducive to a further criminal career. There is insufficient current research on the subject in Germany; most of the literature dates from the 1930's and 1950's and does not reflect the conditions of contemporary juvenile homes. Moreover, the studies fail to relate offenders' subsequent criminal activity to criminogenic factors that may have been operative in their lives both before and after juvenile home experience. Negative connotations associated with 'placement' in a home do not distinguish between types of institutions and the extreme variations in their treatment approaches. Placement decisions must always be made as a last resort and alternatives to institutionalizing children must be pursued by furthering adoption, foster family care, living groups, therapeutic communities, and other forms of community-based assistance. Some children, however, will inevitably remain in need of juvenile home care, and such homes must incorporate reforms and criminality prevention techniques. General reforms include supervision and counseling, clear educational goals, and vocational and academic training. Further, homes must be opened to external influences, personnel must be trained as educators capable of pursuing socialization objectives, and the rate of staff turnover must be curbed. Children in homes should receive sex education and guidance in self-control and respect for personal property. Tabular data and footnotes are given.