NCJ Number
85345
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The forces impacting juvenile justice are dwindling resources, an increasing juvenile inmate population, media blitzes, and an angry public, so policy must be set to deal with these influences while reflecting a rational direction independent of mere reaction to external forces.
Abstract
In the absence of any national or State policies, juvenile corrections is being shaped by a number of pressures, and these pressures tend to produce fragmentation. The policy vacuum is being filled by current public opinion that consists of negative reactions created by the fear of crime and demands for vengeance and punishment. Further, the absence of strong, effective policy leadership has made juvenile justice ripe for budget cuts, program reductions, and a general undercutting of the concepts that have held the juvenile justice field together in the past. In the midst of a wave of criticism and disenchantment with treatment and rehabilitation programs for juveniles, there has been a strong push to create mini-prison systems out of current juvenile justice efforts. This tide that can return us to the mistakes of the past can only be countered by definitive research whose findings and implications are reported and interpreted to the public and public officials. Juvenile justice professionals should make clear that incarceration as a crime reduction policy does not work, while community-based residential programs do work and at far less cost. It should be made known that deterrence is more effective with shorter than longer sentences. Areas that should be further explored are victims' rights, restitution programs, community work projects, and the expanded use of volunteers.