NCJ Number
165377
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
One of the problems facing juvenile corrections for female delinquents is the development and maintenance of a sufficient breadth of programs and services for a relatively small number of clients; this paper outlines the context, philosophy, and program structure of an approach for responding to this dilemma for young women being held in secure detention in Victoria (Australia).
Abstract
The alternative approach to custodial services for young women offenders is being piloted at Parkville Youth Residential Centre, the only juvenile justice facility in Victoria that provides secure custody for young women aged 10 to 20 years. One of the core principles of the program is recognition of the transitional nature of young women's time in custody, so that program planning and delivery have a long-term focus while also addressing the immediate and short-term needs of the young women. A second principle is the development and strengthening of community social networks, so that young women function confidently in mainstream community settings. The program further involves juvenile justice staff in establishing effective consultation, linkages, and networks within the Department of Human Services and with other community resources to ensure that appropriate and effective programs and services are developed and maintained. The program recognizes that one of the greatest disadvantages of institutionalization is the fracturing of young women's capacity to establish or maintain links with supportive networks and institutions in the community, including work, education, and health services. The program will provide opportunities to address long-term behavioral change under statutory supervision in supported community-based accommodations while still upholding the spirit of the custodial sentence. 6 references