NCJ Number
93376
Date Published
1983
Length
24 pages
Annotation
In examining the problem of overcrowding in juvenile detention facilities, this study reviews major recent works on juvenile correctional overcrowding, discusses court decisions on overcrowding, and summarizes suggestions for improvement offered in interviews with juvenile facility administrators and staff.
Abstract
The literature review indicates that overcrowding negatively affects juvenile residents' attitudes, staff treatment efforts, offender classification procedures, and the level of residents' general health. As a result, disciplinary infractions, escape attempts, and violent incidents have become increasingly frequent. Court decisions have addressed individual practical issues, for example, by requiring reductions in the number of inmates per cell and by restricting the types of permissible sleeping arrangements. Interviews with juvenile facility staff demonstrate that overcrowding is a perceptual and experiential phenomenon, so that what is perceived as overcrowding in one institution may not be in another. Specific suggestions relating to overcrowding include key resources available within the facility, size and configuration of housing units, program resources, staff employed, and subjective elements such as administrative support. Illustrations, a bibliography, and a list of addresses of interviewees are supplied.