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Conditions of Confinement

NCJ Number
141870
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring/Summer 1993) Pages: 2-7
Author(s)
D G Parent
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the conditions of confinement for juveniles, based both on national standards and on the needs of juveniles.
Abstract
The study, conducted in 1991, included a survey of 984 public and private detention centers, reception centers, training schools, and juvenile ranches in the United States. Twelve facility conditions were investigated: living space; medical services; food, clothing, and hygiene; living accommodations; security; suicide prevention; inspections and emergency preparedness; education; recreation; mental health services; access to the community; and limits on staff discretion. For each assessment area, one or more assessment criteria were defined, yielding a total of 43 assessment criteria. Study data were obtained from the 1991 Children in Custody Census, a mail survey of the 984 facilities, and 2-day site visits to 95 facilities. The study concluded that although few facilities were completely free of deficiencies, only a small group failed to meet a large number of assessment criteria. Confinement conditions were generally adequate in the three important areas of food, clothing, and hygiene; recreation; and living accommodations. Problems were found in the areas of crowding, inmate security, suicide prevention, and timely health screenings and appraisals. The study recommends that standard-setting organizations such as the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care should revise their standards to incorporate goals that facilities can work toward and against which their performance can be measured. 5 notes and a 5-item annotated bibliography