Cycles of Reform in Youth Corrections - The Story of Borstal (From Juvenile Rehabilitation Reader, P III.1-III.23, 1985, Peter W Greenwood, ed. - See NCJ-101426)

• NCJ Number: 101427
• Author(s): G Hawkins; F E Zimring
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Rand Corporation
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article traces the rise and decline of the English borstal system and discusses its implications for juvenile correctional reform.

Abstract

Established in 1900, the borstal system was at the height of its reputation and apparent success in the years before World War II. With a nonreconviction rate as high as 70 percent, it was widely regarded as a panacea for juvenile crime. By 1950, nonreconviction rates had fallen to 51 percent and by 1965, to 36 percent. Finally, in 1980, the borstal system was abolished. In contrast to other approaches to correctional reform, the borstal experiment was not based on preposterous theoretical foundations; its goal was merely to keep serious juvenile offenders out of prison. In addition, no spectacular results were expected initially. Finally, unlike other reform movements with a brief lifespan, the system operated for over 75 years. In conclusion, the borstal may be seen as a precursor of more recent programs, such as Visionquest, for dealing with juvenile offenders. Its history reinforces the lesson that the search for remedies applicable to all generations of delinquents is illusory. 55 footnotes.