NCJ Number
177203
Journal
American Jails Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: January/February 1999 Pages: 59-64-68
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article presents a descriptive profile of juvenile inmates who were incarcerated in Kansas jails and prisons during the 3-year period between 1995 and 1997.
Abstract
The sample included jails in four large counties and six State prisons, and a nine-page questionnaire was constructed to generate descriptive information about juvenile populations confined in these facilities. The questionnaires were mailed in September 1997 to sheriffs and jail administrators. The initial response rate was 90 percent but with follow-up the total response rate was 100 percent. Data showed 174 juveniles had been admitted to State prisons. Between 1995 and 1997, jail admissions increased by 46.2 percent, and an average of 54 juveniles were incarcerated daily in adult jails and prisons. Female jail admissions represented only 4 percent of the total juvenile population in adult jails. The racial composition of incarcerated juveniles was 44 percent white, 44 percent black, 8 percent Hispanic, and 2 percent Asian and American Indian. Most juveniles admitted to adult jails and prisons were 16 or 17 years of age, most were found guilty of property offenses, and juveniles most likely to be imprisoned were serious violent offenders. Statistics illustrated the unequal application of judicial waiver laws in Kansas. 26 references, 6 tables, and 4 figures