Does Facility Size Really Matter?: Myth Versus Reality on the Impact of Size in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

• NCJ Number: 204560
• Journal: Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 14,16
• Author(s): Francisco J. Alarcon
• Date Published: February 2004
• Length: 2 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article argues against a standard that would require all juvenile correctional facilities to be limited to 150 beds or fewer, favoring instead a focus on quality control within varying sizes of facilities that have multiple goals.

Abstract

Approximately 2 1/2 years ago the American Correctional Association Standards Committee, after much discussion and deliberation, revised the standards for juvenile correctional facilities to eliminate the requirement that facilities must be no larger than 150 beds. When the previous 150-bed standard was adopted, it was generally accepted as common practice that small facilities were more effective in delivering services; however, there is little or no empirical evidence to support this view, and requiring that facilities be small restricts options for a cost-effective use of limited resources. Although there is some evidence that living-unit size affects the quality and impact of services delivered, this can be achieved by breaking up large facilities into "multiplex facilities." The variables critical to a successful facility operation have been found to be related to the integrity of the program, the number and quality of staff, facility leadership, the quality and quantity of training, and the effective use of volunteers. In the treatment of some types of juvenile offenders, such as sex offenders and drug abusers, treatment strategies may be served by small facilities, but large facilities offer options that small facilities cannot. Larger facilities can offer more program options to a larger number of residents, thus providing for a more cost-effective use of resources. Large facilities also give administrators and treatment staff more flexibility in managing residents' behavioral and treatment needs. A large facility can provide for varying treatment levels and techniques tailored to the needs of a diverse population.