NCJ Number
82322
Date Published
1981
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This report describes the characteristics of the California Youth Authority wards (juvenile offenders) in institutions and camps and on parole as of each year from 1972 through 1981.
Abstract
The fluctuations in the institutional populations over the decade resulted from such factors as Youthful Offender Parole Board policy changes, law changes, and judicial decisions. The 1981 institutional population of almost 5,000 was the highest in the 10-year period. The parole population declined steadily through 1979 but has increased to almost 7,000 in the last 2 years. The ward population has changed with respect to several characteristics over the last decade. The percentage of males in institutions has increased from 92 percent to 96 percent, while the percentage of males on parole has increased from 86 percent to 96 percent. The proportion of minorities in male institutions increased from 56 percent in 1972 to 71 percent in 1981, and from 48 percent to 61 percent in female institutions. The percentage of males committed to institutions for violent offenses has increased from 50 percent to 60 percent between 1975 and 1981, while the percentage of females committed for violent offenses increased from 41 percent to 63 percent during the same period. The numbers of wards under commitment for narcotic and drug offenses reached their peak in the early 1970's and have now declined to the point where they form a minor portion of the total. The male wards on first commitment status increased from 63 percent of those in institutions in 1972 to 84 percent in 1981. Five tables are provided. (Author summary modified)