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Toughest Challenge--Youthful Offenders

NCJ Number
176017
Journal
American Jails Volume: 12 Issue: 5 Dated: November/December 1998 Pages: 45-48
Author(s)
M Riley
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the challenge to jails of handling growing juvenile populations.
Abstract
Today's jails must find solutions to unique problems associated with the care, custody and control of juveniles, including: specialized housing, legal issues, specific programs, dedicated and well-trained staff, new construction or remodeling, increased budgets and a well-developed plan of action. The first step is a mission statement that will establish the parameters of a juvenile program, and define construction, program needs, staff requirements, maximum number of juveniles to be housed, security issues, educational programs, food services to be provided and medical services that will be required. Next, a design team is needed to establish physical and environmental dimensions required to carry out the action plan. Academic and vocational skills teachers and tutors, health professionals, well-trained staff and volunteers will all be necessary to a successful program. It is also important to allow time for visitation, especially for inmates' families.