NCJ Number
75929
Date Published
1978
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The problem of increased incarceration of youthful offenders is discussed with emphasis on the need for treatment services for these persons as well as the need for protection of society from dangerous offenders.
Abstract
The number of juvenile offenders sent to correctional institutions has risen rapidly in recent years, while the number of supervision orders has dropped. Neither incarceration nor residential treatment facility programming have proven effective in preventing additional offenses by this group. Some youthful offenders require secure confinement to prevent harm to the community; however, this group is quite small. Social workers have proved unwilling to recommend placements at home. Their care order recommendations to the courts carry no right of appeal. Generally, there is no disagreement between social workers and magistrates concerning the treatment of youth offenders.