NCJ Number
177058
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 13 Issue: Dated: Pages: issue (Spring 1998)-57
Date Published
1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the true costs of constructing and maintaining a secure detention facility.
Abstract
The article describes the often overlooked expenses of maintaining a facility after it has been built. These costs, which include staffing, food, medical services, and program expenses, can run from one-fourth to one-third of the construction costs each year. Initial project cost factors include building construction, architectural and operational programming, architectural and engineering fees, furnishings, sitework, and contingency funds. Prior to facility construction, the needs assessment process can help develop information concerning demographics, offenses and offender histories of the population served; anticipated growth and characteristics of future populations to be served; available community resources; detention and release rates and lengths of stay; quality of care and physical plant at existing facilities; and potential system modifications and program development responsive to identified system and community needs. The article details the costs of not doing a needs assessment. Figure