NCJ Number
114355
Date Published
1988
Length
96 pages
Annotation
Using trend data, interviews, and case reviews, this study evaluated the custody and programming needs of wards of the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF).
Abstract
Classification of 79 wards admitted in April 1988, indicated that 16 boys and 3 girls required secure custody as assessed by the Delaware scale, which placed the greatest number of youth in this category. HYCF's own dangerousness scale placed 5 boys and 2 girls in this category. For these few youth, small, locked facilities with high staff/resident ratios, individualized planning, and gradual reentry mechanisms are recommended. For the remainder, a variety of community-based options are appropriate, such as wilderness challenge programs, experiential education, enriched employment/vocational training, intensive family outreach and monitoring, supervised independent living, extended family homes, and staff-secure custody. While these reforms are needed immediately, budgetary constraints require a two-phase implementation plan. Between 1988 and 1989, the State should use existing residential programs for early parole, establish a wilderness challenge program and an intensive family outreach and monitoring program, and contract with a private agency to place youth into community programs and train HYCF staff in community placement. From July 1989 on, the State should create a division for youth, restructive funding, develop a continuum of care program system, and renovate existing HYCF structures. Supplemental information is appended. 15 tables and 34 references.