NCJ Number
152349
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Focusing on the recent major changes in the juvenile corrections system in England, this paper describes how officials closed all their large juvenile reform schools and congregate care facilities in favor of a system that relies mainly on community-based services.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes the use of research in juvenile justice policymaking in England and the role of the University of Bristol's Dartington Social Research Unit, of which the author is the director. It notes that in 1965 England had about 56 reformatory schools. The offenses for which children were placed in the training schools were often trivial. In 1972 the Dartington Social Research Unit published a study titled After Grace Teeth, which led to the closing of these schools. However, the emerging new system, which emphasized treatment, was almost as custodial as its predecessor. Assessments for treatment were secret; they could not be challenged; parents and children did not see them; and they were highly labeling. In a study requested by the government, the Dartington Unit concluded that the care system itself was largely responsible for many children's entering secure custody. Gradually, with the support of the government, the numbers of residential beds declined from the 2,000 in 1969 to 200 today. Despite these reforms, further efforts are needed to improve the situation of juvenile delinquents in England. 5 references