NCJ Number
10290
Date Published
1972
Length
174 pages
Annotation
CRITIQUE OF SELECTED JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES BASED ON INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED IN JUVENILE CENTERS, TRAINING SCHOOLS, AND REFORM SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE US.
Abstract
SPECIFIC INSTITUTIONS IN COLORADO, LOUISIANA, AND NEW YORK ARE CRITICIZED FOR FACILITY CONDITIONS, SOLITARY CONFINEMENT PRACTICES, AND OTHER CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS. THE AUTHOR OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH THESE PROBLEMS. HE BERATES SOCIAL WORKERS FOR THEIR TREATMENT OF JUVENILES, AND RECOMMENDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW PROFESSION TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM YOUTHS. THESE SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD BE SPECIALISTS IN CHILD CARE, EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND PROTECTION. THE AUTHOR STRESSES THE NEED FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROBLEMS OF JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS AND INCREASED FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT. AN ADDITIONAL PROPOSAL IS THE FORMATION OF AFFINITY FAMILIES, COMPOSED OF GROUPS OF PERSONS WHO WOULD PROVIDE GUIDANCE, EMOTIONAL AND/OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO A CHILD IN AN INSTITUTION, OR WHO WOULD ADOPT A CHILD INTO THEIR OWN HOMES.