NCJ Number
84933
Editor(s)
J F Handler,
J Zatz
Date Published
1982
Length
957 pages
Annotation
This study examined deinstitutionalization policies and practices in seven States, observed the operations of residential programs for juveniles, and reviewed nine relevant Federal programs in order to determine deinstitutionalization's progress at State and local levels, as well as the impact of Federal policies and programs.
Abstract
Most adjudicated status offenders have been removed from traditional institutions, and the use of preadjudicatory detention for such youth has declined. Fewer status offenders are entering the juvenile justice system; most of those diverted are sent to group homes or placed in foster care. Many status offenders who do not enter the court system or diversion programs are being ignored, although some are probably treated in private mental health facilities. Few resources are available to counsel status offenders entering the system. States and localities have taken different approaches to the problem of balancing community and law enforcement concerns against the need to find alternatives to secure detention. Some localities use an emergency shelter system similar to secure detention; others have chosen nonsecure alternatives, establishing facilities resembling emergency drop-in centers. The Federal Government has provided ideas, technical assistance, and financial support to States and localities; most important were discretionary funds administered primarily by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Federal influence is still dependent on State and local discretion; States disagreeing with Federal policies will probably not accept or apply for Federal funds. The seven States surveyed were Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Federal programs studied include Title XX social services, Title IV-B child welfare services, Title IV-A foster care, Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Medicaid, and others dealing with the handicapped and runaways. The report includes statistical tables, footnotes, a bibliography of about 200 references, and chapter notes. Appendixes include data collection instruments and case studies of social reform in Illinois, legislative changes in Texas, and the politics of status deinstitutionalization in California. An index is supplied. A discussion of private provision of publicly financed services for status offenders is also appended.