Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders in Pennsylvania (From Neither Angels nor Thieves - Studies in Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders, P 372-418, 1982, Joel F Handler and Julie Zatz, ed. - See NCJ-84933)

• NCJ Number: 84943
• Author(s): S Feldman
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 47 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; National Academies Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-84933

Annotation

Pennsylvania's experience with the deinstitutionalization of status offenders is examined regarding changes in juvenile justice legislation and in the delivery of children's services.

Abstract

The past 10 years have witnessed the persistent efforts of deinstitutionalization forces in Pennsylvania to alter the manner in which status offenders are treated. Status offenders are no longer detained in jails for extended periods nor are they in secure detention with alleged delinquents. They may no longer be placed in State-operated or private delinquency institutions. Nonresidential services and group homes are used more than previously, and the role of the courts in the intake and supervision of status offenders has been reduced. At the same time, both public and private services are distributed very unevenly across the State, and new services designed for helping children in their homes or community settings are slow in developing. Major problems thus relate to the availability and effectiveness of services, not to the overinstitutionalization of status offenders. None of the respondents felt that Federal policies were a determining factor in the changes in legislation and practices; however, Federal deinstitutionalization efforts supported change by legitimizing the change process and at times by providing financial support for deinstitutionalization advocates. Seven references are listed, and the names of the persons interviewed are provided.