NCJ Number
145960
Journal
Criminology Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 591-611
Date Published
1993
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The effects of the closing of a juvenile correctional institution were investigated.
Abstract
In-person interviews were conducted among 239 youths who were committed to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) after completing a stay at Montrose Training School (MD) before it closed (preclosing); 257 who were transferred to DJS upon closure of Montrose (transition); and 254 who were referred to DJS after Montrose closed (postclosing). Treatment for the postclosing group was far less costly than that for the institutionalized groups. However, their recidivism rate was significantly higher, suggesting that the available alternatives to institutionalization were not as effective as Montrose at deterring crime. There were consistent group differences for crimes against property but not for crimes involving drugs or against persons. These differences were significant, but less pronounced when only serious crimes were considered. 2 appendixes and 29 references