NCJ Number
232185
Date Published
September 2006
Length
138 pages
Annotation
This study examined the conditions of confinement for girls held within New York's juvenile prisons, particularly the conditions in the Tryon and Lansing facilities. Recommendations are outlined to improve conditions and services to girls held in juvenile prisons.
Abstract
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is the State agency responsible for juvenile facilities through the Department of Rehabilitative Services. However, OCFS is identified as failing to serve and protect confined girls due to minimal oversight of conditions in OCFS facilities. Oversight and monitoring of juvenile facilities is seen as dysfunctional. Highlights of confinement conditions found in both the Tryon and Lansing facilities include: (1) the use of inappropriate and excessive force by facility staff against girls; (2) increased risk of a range of sexually abusive behaviors; (3) subjected to security measures beyond what appears to be strictly necessary; and (4) provision of haphazard and insufficient educational and vocational opportunities to girls. In this study of the Tryon and Lansing juvenile facilities in New York and confinement conditions surrounding girls held in these facilities, recommendations are presented that OCFS and other State authorities should take to stop some of the egregious abuses documented as a result of this study. Detailed recommendations are also provided for State and local authorities with responsibilities affecting the conditions under which girls are incarceration in New York. Glossary and appendix