NCJ Number
108912
Date Published
1986
Length
164 pages
Annotation
Testimony by legislators, California Youth Authority and parole and probation officials, legal analysts, and training school personnel examines the 140-percent overcrowding in the State's youth system and possible solutions to it.
Abstract
The correctional philosophy, programming, and planning activities of the Youth Authority are delineated, and characteristics of the youth authority population are described. Existing vocational, educational, counseling, public service, group home, specialized treatment, and other programs are described and evaluated. Factors contributing to overcrowding are discussed, and the effects of overcrowding are noted. The interdependency of county and State programs is examined, and the need for a systems approach to solving the overcrowding problem is highlighted. Proposed solutions to overcrowding and its effects consider legislative changes, funding priorities, staffing needs, security considerations, sentencing guidelines and alternatives, and private-public partnerships. Other proposals deal with recidivism prevention, diversion programs, and programs for serious and violent juvenile offenders.