NCJ Number
134683
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Official records showed that youth on minimum security in Washington State committed 68 offenses and took 90 unauthorized leaves and that 2 of 371 authorized leaves resulted in property offenses for which the youths were later convicted.
Abstract
In addition, 155 unauthorized leaves occurred from juvenile residential institutions, and youths on unauthorized leaves committed a total of 85 offenses. Thirty-four percent of these unauthorized leaves were technical in nature and did not result in a criminal conviction for escape, however. Overall, juveniles on authorized leave, unauthorized leave, or minimum security status were convicted for 259 offenses, with 104 convictions for escape. Of the 155 other convictions, those involving intended or actual physical harm included a robbery, a burglary, an unlawful imprisonment, an attempted child molestation, a communication with a minor for immoral purposes, a vehicular assault, 20 simple assaults, and a reckless endangerment. Unauthorized leaves took place in 7 percent of the 1,273 minimum security placements that occurred during the year. Findings showed that although risks occur with the use of leaves and minimum security placements, the benefits for youth are also real and include greater family involvement in treatment and improved transition as they return to their communities. Tables, figure, and appended security standards.