NCJ Number
116659
Date Published
1989
Length
44 pages
Annotation
The goals and methods of juvenile corrections are examined with respect to correctional philosophies and goals, the juvenile control system, types of correctional intervention, and assessment of the impact of corrections.
Abstract
The correctional pendulum has swung between doing something to young offenders, such as punishment, and doing something for young offenders, such as rehabilitation. In the 1980s, rehabilitation, retribution, deterrence, and incapacitation are advocated as primary goals of juvenile corrections. Supervised probation, representing the most common form of correctional intervention, is outlined, and supervised probation, community-based residential programs, and institutions are examined in detail. The benefits of correctional intervention are felt in that reductions in offenses committed after intervention relative to offenses committed before intervention represent an appropriate evaluation criterion. A case study is presented that demonstrates a supportive political climate and enlightened public opinion, resulting in a statewide system of community correction. Tables, references.