NCJ Number
117813
Date Published
1979
Length
56 pages
Annotation
Intended to provide a deinstitutionalization perspective for youth workers, juvenile justice practitioners, architects, elected officials, and citizen advocates, this is a compendium of recent research and standards on critical architectural issues in juvenile residential facilities.
Abstract
In providing guidance on the way these facilities are planned and implemented, this analysis compares research and standards in such areas as population, psychological and social needs, security, spatial utility and perception, and size and location. Certain characteristics of the residential population in juvenile facilities have been at issue for some time and include the propriety of commingling residents by offense, legal status, and age. This compendium presents arguments against the commingling of criminal-type offenders and status of nonoffenders and arguments for separation of residents by legal status. Regarding psychological and social needs, residential facilities should encourage the development of individuality and self-respect, ensure the right of privacy, and provide opportunities to socialize with peers of both sexes. This suggests opportunities for juveniles to be alone and to have toilets that provide privacy. The relevant American Bar Association standard is discussed in the compendium. Regarding security, the compendium recommends security through the less obtrusive means of staff supervision and interaction with residents. Space design should accommodate such supervision. The compendium considers space requirements for particular activities in secure residential settings, many of which are programmed into the facility's standard operating practices. The size and location of residential facilities are also discussed. 55 footnotes.