NCJ Number
11059
Date Published
Unknown
Length
15 pages
Annotation
CRITIQUE OF THE CONFINEMENT OF YOUNGSTERS IN FLORIDA PENDING HEARING IN JUVENILE COURT OR TRANSFER TO AN INSTITUTION.
Abstract
THE LACK OF SHELTER FACILITIES IN FLORIDA IS SO SEVERE THAT A YOUNGSTER APPREHENDED FOR A JUVENILE STATUS OFFENSE, SUCH AS TRUANCY, UNGOVERNABLE BEHAVIOR, OR RUNAWAY, IS ALMOST TWICE AS LIKELY TO BE DETAINED AS A YOUNGSTER ACCUSED OF A CRIME. THIS ARTICLE STRESSES THE NEED FOR STATE ADMINISTRATION OF DETENTION FACILITIES AND DISCUSSES THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF DETENTION IN DADE COUNTY BY THE STATE DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES. THE PAPER STATES THAT WITH STATE ADMINISTRATION OF DETENTION SERVICES, UNNECESSARY AND INADEQUATE FACILITIES WOULD BE CLOSED DOWN. FACILITIES OF ADEQUATE SIZE WOULD BE STAFFED BY PROFESSIONALS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COULD BE STANDARDIZED, AND ECONOMIES WOULD RESULT FROM VOLUME PURCHASING, AS WELL AS INCREASED USE OF NON-SECURE DETENTION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)