NCJ Number
163312
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 46-48
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Federal Crime Bill signed into law in September 1994 has several major provisions that will affect juvenile delinquency; these include the prosecution of 13-year-olds in Federal court as adults for certain violent offenses and harsher penalties for gang activity.
Abstract
In addition, the clause on certainty of punishment for young offenders makes available approximately $150 million during FY1996 through 2000 to states for the development of programs designed specifically to ensure the certainty of punishment for youthful offenders. This punishment may include a greater use of juvenile detention facilities, because shock incarceration and weekend incarceration are among suggestions for use of a portion of the funds. The law provides for prevention programs such as midnight sports and after-school and in-school programs. However, the law does not stipulate provisions for treatment or rehabilitation after the youth is placed in a detention or training facility. This component is left to the States. Issues that juvenile detention centers and training schools for youthful offenders will experience as a result of the law include continued staffing problems, increasing overcrowding of facilities, and a lack of tertiary prevention. The law and others means that juvenile justice is clearly moving toward restrictive settings and away from treatment and rehabilitation, although it is likely that by the year 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the issue of the juvenile's right to treatment. 6 references