NCJ Number
113179
Date Published
1988
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This case study reviews the political and historical context of juvenile corrections reform in Utah, describes policy changes, and examines the elements and effects of the reformed system.
Abstract
For nearly a century, Utah's youth corrections policy centered on a 450-bed training school that provided secure lockup for troubled youth. In the past decade, the State has transformed both its facilities and correctional philosophy. In 1981, the legislature enacted sweeping changes that created a Division of Youth Corrections within the Department of Social Services and gave the division responsibility for all secure and community-based programs. The legislation also restricted the use of juvenile detention, mandated development of minimum standards for detention and a process for certifying facilities, and revised commitment procedures for adjudicated youth. Once a youth is adjudicated delinquent, interagency screening teams review the case and make recommendations regarding the most appropriate placement. Each youth is assigned a case manager who is responsible for continual monitoring, supervision, and coordination of treatment plans. Available services include day treatment, residential community programs, observation and assessment, secure placement, and multi-use facilities. Reforms have dramatically reduced the number of youth in secure confinement, have reduced corrections costs, and have expanded the availability and use of community-based alternatives. 4 tables and 11 references.