NCJ Number
70575
Journal
Jugendwohl Volume: 59 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1978) Pages: 313-321
Date Published
1978
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Existing forms of West German correctional institutions for juveniles are discussed.
Abstract
Only about 10 percent of convicted juvenile offenders in West Germany are sentenced to imprisonment. The average sentence is 1 year. Since the inception of juvenile corrections as an entity, separate from adult corrections, the institution has been very closely linked to juvenile assistance. However, the original goal of molding the young offender's personality to an unrealistic ideal has been replaced with the objective of promoting social competence and individual identity. Since 1970, many experts have favored replacement of the juvenile corrections facilities with juvenile therapy centers, but recent official recommendations endorse separate reform of juvenile assistance and juvenile corrections. Principal areas where reform is needed are construction of juvenile institutions, personnel training, and methods for treating juvenile offenders. Existing prison facilities should be modified to accomodate a larger number of minimum security prisoners and living groups which promote social learning. The development of personnel capable of treatment as well as custodial care is a requirement for an improved system. Unfortunately, virtually no courses exist to prepare psychologists, teachers, social workers, theoloaians and administrative personnel specifically for juvenile corrections. Furthermore, the discrepancy between excessively idealistic training of personnel and the realities of practice must be reduced to enhance staff effectiveness. In the area of treatment, repressive measures must give way to non-disciplinary counseling and a therapeutic, problem-solving climate must be created. The public must be included in the process of juvenile corrections to promote understanding for juveniles neglected and underprivileged in their early years. Notes are supplied.--in German.