NCJ Number
52179
Date Published
1977
Length
191 pages
Annotation
THESE PROFILES OF EIGHT JUVENILES ARE BASED ON EXTENSIVE INTERVIEWS HELD WITH THE CHILDREN WHILE THEY WERE DETAINED OR SERVING JAIL SENTENCES. THEY DISCUSSED THEIR CHILDHOODS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, AND JAIL EXPERIENCES.
Abstract
THE PROFILES REVEAL THE TRAUMA EXPERIENCED BY CHILDREN BEING CONFINED BEHIND BARS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND FEELINGS OF CONFUSION AND HELPLESSNESS DURING THE ARREST AND ARRAIGNMENT PROCEDURES. MANY OF THE CHILDREN SUFFERED BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILLNESS RESULTING FROM JAIL EXPERIENCES, AND ONE GIRL COMMIITTED SUICIDE BEFORE HER TRIAL WAS HELD. MANY OF THE JUVENILES SUFFERED SEXUAL ABUSE DURING CONFINEMENT, WERE HELD IN ADULT FACILITIES, AND WERE DETAINED UNNECESSARILY LONG BEFORE THEIR TRIALS WERE HELD. DISCUSSIONS OF FAMILY AND SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS OF THE JUVENILES REVEAL THAT MOST OF THE YOUTHS HAD EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE FAMILY PROBLEMS AND MANY HAD HAD PROBLEMS WITH SCHOOL, EITHER SOCIALLY OR ACADEMICALLY. THE FINAL SECTION INCLUDES SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING CHILD ABUSE INSIDE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SUCH AS PROPER SCREENING OF CHILDREN THAT ARE ARRESTED, HEARINGS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF ARREST TIME, AND JUVENILE COURT REVIEW OF ALL COMPLAINTS ON JUVENILE CASES. ADVOCACY OF JAILED CHILDREN IS URGED AND A LIST OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS IS PROVIDED FOR PERSONS INTERESTED IN BECOMING CHILD ADVOCATES. (DAG)