NCJ Number
150181
Journal
Detention Reporter Issue: 127 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 3-10
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents excerpts from a summary of a national study of the confinement conditions in all 984 public and private juvenile detention centers, reception centers, training schools, ranches, camps and farms.
Abstract
In 1991, these facilities held about 65,000 juveniles. Areas with substantial deficiencies include security practices, efforts to control suicidal behavior, and health care. Areas with less substantial deficiencies include education and treatment services, inspections and emergency preparedness, access to the community, and limits on staff discretion. Conditions of confinement appear to be adequate in the areas of food, clothing, and hygiene; recreation; and living accommodations. Recommended actions include the identification of policies and practices that can materially improve safety and security, screening of all juveniles for risk of suicidal behavior immediately upon their detention, constant monitoring of suicidal juveniles, prompt initial health screenings, and a federally funded study to document educational needs and problems of confined juveniles and to evaluate the ability of existing programs to meet those needs. Additional recommendations