NCJ Number
109827
Date Published
1987
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This report on West Virginia's West Central Regional Juvenile Detention Center focuses on the center's efforts to protect the rights of juvenile detainees without compromising the center's legitimate security interests.
Abstract
This report is based on an unannounced visit to the center in December 1986 and a followup inspection by committee staff in January 1987. The center temporarily detains children accused of criminal offenses who are awaiting further court proceedings. Its maximum capacity is 10 youth. This report describes the type of youth served, the physical plant, admission procedures, and services. In describing the center's efforts to protect the rights of residents, the report focuses on liberty interests and due process, case reviews, early intervention, information/referral services, written notice of rights, grievance procedure, punishment, medical care, visitation, mail, telephone privileges, education and reading materials, clothing and showers, and exercise and recreation. Facility and staff requirements are also reviewed. Recommendations pertain to enhancement of practices to decrease inappropriately committed youth; the delivery of information/referral services to youth, their families, and defense attorneys; upgrading services; improvement in confinement conditions; the development of community-based diagnostic evaluation; and the regular serving of children under the continuing jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Sample forms and policies are appended.