NCJ Number
32286
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1975) Pages: 3-12 AND 17-20
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM'S FAILURES AND SUCCESSES AND THE CONTROVERSIES THAT HAVE DEVELOPED SINCE DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 1971.
Abstract
THE 2,200 YOUTHS UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES ARE SERVED BY 200 PROGRAMS WHICH PROVIDE SECURE FACILITIES, GROUP CARE FACILITIES (INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS AND GROUP HOMES), FOSTER CARE, NON-RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS, AND PAROLE SERVICES. SOME OF THE CRITICISMS WHICH HAVE BEEN DIRECTED AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT ARE 'GROSS MISMANAGEMENT', INADEQUATE SECURE FACILITIES, A LACK OF PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED STAFF AT THE CONTRACTING AGENCIES, AND OVERALL INEFFECTIVENESS. STRENGTHS OF THE PROGRAM, ACCORDING TO RECENTLY-RESIGNED COMMISSIONER LEAVEY, INCLUDE DIVERSITY, STAFF DEDICATION, AND A LEVEL OF HUMANE TREATMENT NOT ATTAINABLE UNDER AN INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM. EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF PROGRAMS ARE SINGLED OUT TO INDICATE PARTICULAR CONTROVERSIES EITHER WITHIN THE PROGRAMS OR CONCERNING THE WAY THEY ARE MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT. SEE ALSO NCJ-32285, 32287, 32288, AND 32289.