NCJ Number
184869
Date Published
2000
Length
108 pages
Annotation
Findings from focus groups in 10 British prisons that house young offenders address three main areas: life before and leading up to entering prison; experiences of custody; and hopes, fears, and plans for the future.
Abstract
Within these areas of focus, 84 youths (58 men and 26 women) explored their experiences of and views on parenting, local authority care, education, employment, housing, drug and alcohol use, violence and bullying, and the criminal justice system. In reviewing their pathways into crime, the youth placed considerable emphasis on self-determination, choice, and responsibility. Most believed that they had a choice not to offend. Many believed that their parents, particularly their mothers, had tried their best to intervene. Some of the youth, however, viewed their route into crime as almost inevitable; for some, particularly those using hard drugs, involvement in crime had become a way of life. The majority felt that once they had become involved in a cycle of offending, it was difficult to behave differently. Their suggestions for prevention include interventions that target the very young; improvement in communication between parents and teens; improvement in poor living conditions; the involvement of marginalized youth in education; positive uses of peer pressure; and strategies to reduce drug and alcohol use among youth. The focus groups were critical of unprofessional practitioners and services in the criminal justice system. Their experiences in prison were generally characterized as frightening and humiliating, resulting in a feeling of depersonalization. They were particularly critical of the lack of preparation for life back in the community. This book outlines the British program for improving prison quality and standards as embodied in the new Prison Service Order, which aims to create a more structured and caring environment for those under 18 years old. 35 references