NCJ Number
189145
Journal
Children's Voice Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 20-23
Editor(s)
Steven S. Boehm
Date Published
March 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discussed the history and fate of juvenile boot camps currently regarded as a failure and its potential future for success with significant program revisions.
Abstract
During the sharp upswing of juvenile crime in the late 1980's and early 1990's, one of the get-tough solutions was juvenile boot camp. Juvenile boot camps received overwhelming political appeal for their paramilitary approach and because their short residency period promised rehabilitation at a lower cost than traditional residential programs. Yet, consistently evaluations of boot camps have showed their failure to make a dent in recidivism rates. In addition, disturbing evidence has shown that boot camp residents have been abused by staff. The article suggested that the benefits of the boot camp program are real, and if appropriate levels of resources were directed for research to improve on what makes a boot camp successful and all components were implemented a very different picture would emerge. In addition, it was strongly recommended that boot camps have a sound method of analyzing program costs and effectiveness. With these in place, boot camps would have better oversight and be better able to defend their existence. In summation, without major revisions, many experts agree boot camps are likely to fall from political grace.