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Does Imprisonment of Minors Solve Their Problems and Difficulties?

NCJ Number
90757
Journal
Rassegna penitenziaria e criminologica Issue: 1-2 Dated: (January-June 1979) Pages: 35-52
Author(s)
G Battistacci
Date Published
1979
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The impact of prison appears to be seriously dangerous, especially for minors. Prison is sometimes responsible for further criminalization. For minors, the impact usually takes place at the custody level, further increasing the dangers for them.
Abstract
The reformatory in no way represents an alternative solution, chiefly because of the indeterminateness of the duration of such a measure, aside from the fact that it is often similar to prison. The alternative is that of providing a decriminalization of some behaviors. Alternative punishments should be developed, but chiefly, an effective prevention program should be implemented by the local community in pursuance of the indications contained in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Italy No. 616 of 1977. Minors who must undergo the prison experience should be separated from adult inmates. In all cases, custody must be ordered by the judge, and it must be of short duration. References are contained in the text. (Author summary modified)