NCJ Number
185137
Journal
Corrections Technology and Management Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2000 Pages: 34-36
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the facilities and operation of the Florida Institute for Girls (FIG), a secure facility for juvenile females.
Abstract
The facility is operated by Ramsey Youth Services under a 3-year contract, with the possibility of two 1-year renewals before being re-opened for bids. The facility opened in April 2000, beginning with one wing receiving 5 girls per week until that wing filled at 50 residents. At that point, staff numbered 64. Inmates range in age from 13 to 21. Their most common violent crime is homicide. This is the first facility of this type in Florida and one of only a few in the Nation. Although there are facilities for disciplinary confinement, the FIG has instituted a reward system that will provide a strong incentive to comply with facility rules. The Palm Beach School Department will supply an education system. Female-intensive subjects such as cosmetology will be offered, and so will carpentry, electrician work, and other building-trade skills. Many of the young women are mothers, so parenting skills and family bonding will be taught. No one will leave the prison for work or programs, and early release will be limited.