NCJ Number
118545
Date Published
Unknown
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Juvenile correctional facilities were surveyed by the American Medical Association in December 1978 to determine models for health service delivery in these facilities.
Abstract
The survey was part of an effort to assess needs in relation to the future implementation of standards being developed for correctional health services. Sixty questionnaires were distributed to facilities in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin and 20 to other facilities throughout the United States. Forty-one facilities responded. Findings showed that many facilities had populations at or near capacity, producing the potential for increased tensions and undetected emotional and physical problems. Most of the admissions were males aged 15.5 to 16.5 who stayed for more than 180 days. Twenty-six percent of the facilities did not screen juveniles for potential health problems immediately on admission. In addition, only 53 percent of the facilities had some form of first aid training for their personnel. Inadequacies were also found in medical records and personnel licensing requirements. Results indicated that the facilities have health care systems, but more attention should be focused on the quality of care being delivered through these systems. Tables and appended survey instrument.