NCJ Number
100165
Date Published
1985
Length
427 pages
Annotation
This volume provides a historical account of participatory management in American prisons -ombudspersons, grievance procedures, and inmate councils -- from 1793 to 1983, along with a survey of such practices in State and Federal correctional systems.
Abstract
Opening with a survey of self-government and advisory council programs originating prior to 1930 in U.S. correctional facilities for adult, youthful, and juvenile offenders, it goes on to discuss formal complaint mechanisms that have developed in subsequent decades as humane treatment and prisoners' rights emerged as issues for concern: ombudspersons, grievance commissions, multi-level grievance procedures in which inmates participate, and inmate advisory councils. Using data from surveys conducted in 1960, 1966-67, 1972-73, and 1982-83, the author summarizes the development of formal complaint procedures and inmate councils in the 50 States, the Federal prison system, and selected jurisdictions including New York City, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense. The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, the California Youth Authority's Principles for Ward Grievance Procedure, and the New York Division of Youth's Young Peoples Bill of Rights are appended. Footnotes and index.