NCJ Number
141540
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A 1991 study conducted by Abt Associates for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) examined the conditions in the 984 public and private juvenile detention centers, reception centers, training schools, and ranches in the United States.
Abstract
The analysis focused on conditions of confinement, grouped under 12 topics in four categories: (1) basic needs for living space; health care; food, clothing, and hygiene; and living accommodations; (2) order and safety needs related to security, suicide prevention, and inspections and emergency preparedness; (3) programming in education, recreation, and treatment services; and (4) rights related to access to the community and limits on staff discretion. Data came from a mailed survey, site visits to 95 facilities, and interviews with 475 juveniles. Responses came from 80 percent of the eligible facilities. Results revealed substantial and widespread deficiencies in four areas: crowding, security, suicidal behavior, and health screening and appraisals. The four areas in which conditions of confinement appear to be generally adequate are (1) food, clothing, and hygiene; (2) limits on staff discretion; (3) living accommodations; and (4) recreation. In many cases, the researchers found that procedural standards had no discernible effect on conditions within facilities. Performance-based standards are more difficult to formulate. After studying the Abt report and recommendations from other organizations, OJJDP will issue formal recommendations to Congress for improving conditions for juveniles in confinement.