Juvenile Corrections Research Articles

Statewide Responses to a Proposed Realignment of Juvenile Corrections in Arizona

As states face shrinking budgets, new options for correctional supervision are being sought. One solution has been to shift the responsibility for custody from the state to county level through a process of realignment. The current article uses a case study methodology to examine proposed solutions and opinions of various stakeholders in juvenile justice following a 2010 announcement that the Department of Juvenile Corrections would be closed in Arizona. The findings show that the manner in which the realignment was proposed would have been a difficult model to adopt but that a well-planned and adequately funded reform would benefit juveniles and counties across Arizona.

Adultification in Juvenile Corrections: Examining the Orientations of Juvenile and Adult Probation and Parole Officers

Legislative activity, court decisions, and other activities have left open to question how distinct is the juvenile justice system from the criminal justice system. While several scholars have considered adultification of juvenile courts, no study has systematically examined the adultification of juvenile corrections. The present study assesses whether one type of juvenile corrections, probation and parole, has been adultified by comparing the professional orientations of juvenile and adult probation and parole officers. The study finds that juvenile probation and parole officers do differ from adult officers across several dimensions of professional orientation that are critical to the distinctiveness of the juvenile justice system. Specifically, our analyses show that compared to adult probation and parole officers, juvenile officers tend to more strongly adhere to ideals of treatment, welfare, and offender-focused probation and parole supervision.

Reading Practices in the Juvenile Correctional Facility Setting: Incarcerated Adolescents Speak Out

This multi-phasic, qualitative study explored the perceptions and provision of research-based reading instruction in the juvenile correctional facility setting. In three settings in two states, we interviewed students (n = 17), teachers (n = 5), and administrators (n = 3); and conducted two focus groups (n = 8), student surveys (n = 49), and seven observations of reading instruction. Our purposes were to (a) examine students' perceptions of themselves as readers, (b) their perceptions regarding the importance of reading, and (c) the reading practices implemented with juvenile offenders. Findings suggest that a majority of incarcerated students view reading as an important skill, but there is a large disparity in the amount and type of reading instruction they are provided.

Readiness for Independent Living Among Youth on the Verge of Leaving Juvenile Correctional Facilities.

A growing body of literature has documented the dismal outcomes of youth placed in juvenile correctional facilities (JCFs) upon their return to the community. However, very little is known as to how well equipped are the youth with the necessary skills for reintegration. In the current study, the authors examine self-reports of readiness for independent living among adolescents in correctional settings on the verge of leaving care, and explore how individual, placement, and social support characteristics predict such perceived readiness. A sample of 116 adolescents (aged 15-20) placed in Israeli JCFs responded to structured self-report questionnaires. The results indicated that most adolescents perceived their readiness to leave care as high, with girls showing significantly lower levels of perceived readiness when compared with boys. Higher levels of self-esteem and optimism as well as support from peers and staff were related to better readiness. From these findings, implications for theory and practice are proposed.

Keeping Kids Out of Correctoins: Lowering Recidivism by Strengthening Teamwork and Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Officers and Transition Coordinators in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Keeping Kids Out of Correctoins: Lowering Recidivism by Strengthening Teamwork and Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Officers and Transition Coordinators in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Authoritarianism, Ethnic Affiliation, Level of Religiosity, and Authority-Exercising Styles of Educational Instructors in Juvenile Correctional Institutions

This study investigated authoritarian personality, ethnicity, and religiosity as predictors of educational instructors’ authority-exercising style in disciplinary encounters in juvenile correctional institutions. Participants were all 320 educational instructors from all 56 juvenile correctional institutions in Israel. Research findings indicated that educational instructors with a high level of authoritarianism responded with more power assertion and withdrawal during disciplinary encounters, whereas instructors with a low level of authoritarianism responded with induction during these events. In addition, ethnicity and level of religiosity predicted exercising of authority. Arab as well as Jewish religious instructors were more inclined to respond with power assertion during disciplinary encounters. The present study attempts to interconnect personality and environmental and behavioral characteristics and calls for follow-up research on educational instructors’ behaviors in juvenile correctional institutions.

Education Services in Juvenile Corrections: 40 Years of Litigation and Reform

Children and youth in juvenile corrections have statutory rights to education services of comparable quality to those found in the public schools. However, during the past 40 years in many states, access to education services that meet state and federal requirements under IDEA and state regulations has been in- consistent and inadequate for youth in correctional institutions. In response, parents and advocates have sued state and local jurisdictions to ensure that children receive access to services. After reviewing the status of education in juvenile corrections and several cases challenging inadequate education services, this paper identifies promising developments and next steps in se - curing adequate education services for all incarcerated youth.

, (Features of the Level of Subjective Control of Minors Serving Punishments in Juvenile Correctional Facilities)

Russian Abstract: В статье представлена характеристика осужденных, отбывающих наказание в воспитательных колониях, которая включает социально-демографические и уголовно-правовые показатели. Автор раскрывает особенности личности несовершеннолетних правонарушителей в области ответственного поведения. Впервые исследована зависимость уровня субъективного контроля несовершеннолетних правонарушителей от возраста и опыта отбывания наказания в виде лишения свободы. Сравнительный анализ уровня субъективного контроля несовершеннолетних, осужденных впервые, и несовершеннолетних, отбывавших наказание ранее, выявил тенденцию к усилению экстернальности второй группы. Сопоставлены показатели уровня субъективного контроля воспитанников исправительных учреждений с их уголовно-правовой характеристикой и осознанием вины. Проведенный анализ позволил выявить связь между экстернальностью воспитанников ВК и количеством судимостей, а также отбыванием наказания в виде лишения свободы.English Abstract: The article presents the characteristics of convicts serving sentences in juvenile correctional facilities, which includes socio-demographic, criminal-legal indicators. The author reveals the personality traits of juvenile offenders in the area of responsible behavior. The article first presents the dependence of the level of subjective control of juvenile offenders on the age and experience of serving the sentence of imprisonment. Comparative analysis of the locus of control juveniles convicted for the first time, and juveniles, convicted again, showed a trend to increased external locus of control of the second group. The author compared the indicators of locus of control of a minor convicts with their criminal-legal characteristic and awareness of guilt. The analysis revealed a link between external locus control of a minor convict and the number of convictions, as well experience of serving a sentence of imprisonment.

The Moderating Effect of Within‐Group Similarity on Change in a Strengths‐Based Programme for Incarcerated Young Men

AbstractMany youth who are incarcerated within juvenile correctional facilities experience mental health disorders, histories of victimization and suicide ideation. Strengths‐based intervention programmes are intended to enhance participants' resilience against such challenges. However, little is known about how the composition of intervention groups contributes to programmes' efficacy. This study addresses the impact of within‐group similarity on the success of a strengths‐based intervention for incarcerated young men (n = 141). Similarity was assessed in terms of self‐reported demographics and behaviours and belief systems. Youths' masculine ideology, caring and cooperative behaviours, ethnic pride and respect for differences, self‐efficacy regarding education and non‐violence, and attitudes about criminal behaviour were measured before and after intervention. Results indicate that participants' caring and cooperative behaviour increased during the intervention. However, their education‐related self‐efficacy was reduced, and the perceived benefits of criminal activity increased. These changes were moderated by group composition: less similarity between participants and their group members was associated with less negative change. In the context of juvenile corrections facilities, where staying the same may be a relatively positive outcome, perhaps the more relevant question is not which processes and characteristics of others better enable youth to change but which experiences help them retain positive aspects of themselves. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Health Literacy Assessment in a Juvenile Corrections Population

A serious public health issue, health literacy must be integrated into all patient encounters. Given a paucity of evidence, formal health literacy assessment also should be considered for at-risk subgroups, including incarcerated adolescents. This study reflects such an assessment, undertaken in 5 juvenile justice facilities, using the REALM-Teen screening tool to target subgroups for interventions. REALM-teen scores of 174 youth had a mean of 60.2 (SD 7.7, range 31-66). Participants who were non-Caucasian, male, and Hispanic tended to have lower scores. Tailored provider-client communication is recommended for these subgroups.

Educadores en instituciones correccionales para jóvenes en Puerto Rico: Retos y necesidades de desarrollo profesional

Recibido 2 de octubre de 2013 • Corregido 7 de noviembre de 2013 • Aceptado 2 de diciembre de 2013El propósito principal de la investigación fue conocer las experiencias vividas por docentes en las instituciones correccionales para jóvenes, sus retos y las necesidades de desarrollo profesional. La investigación que se realizó fue cualitativa, descriptiva, fundamentada en el enfoque fenomenológico, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada aplicada a cuatro maestros de la Administración de Instituciones Juveniles (AIJ) en Puerto Rico. La información fue analizada de acuerdo con los procedimientos sistemáticos de la investigación cualitativa sugeridos por Strauss y Corbin (1998), citados por Lucca y Berríos (2003): selección abierta, axial y selectiva, respectivamente. Se encontró que estos docentes presentaron grandes satisfacciones por prestar servicios educativos. Como aspecto relevante, se carece de un currículo que se amolde a las necesidades de la población juvenil atendida. El currículo utilizado en el programa educativo es el mismo que se ofrece en las escuelas públicas, por lo que no es atractivo para estos jóvenes. El personal docente confronta retos extraordinarios, desde el sistema de seguridad de las instituciones, hasta la metodología de la enseñanza y aprendizaje. Se percibe una ausencia en la coordinación de servicios educativos y el equipo multidisciplinario para atender los aspectos cognitivos y emocionales de los jóvenes. Al igual que los maestros de cualquier sistema educativo, los entrevistados obtienen unos logros y satisfacciones que los fortalecen espiritualmente y hacen que estos permanezcan muchos años trabajando en estas instituciones.

Living the chocolate dream

I have been considered disabled and very ill for quite some time. I had been employed as a Juvenile Corrections Officer in a maximum security detention facility and resigned due to my chronic illnesses. I loved my job. During that time, I had the honor of working with a group of very ethical and caring people. Everyday I went to work knowing I was making a difference, even if in a very modest way. So, leaving was very disheartening for me. I did not know what the future held for me. I dealt with many debilitating symptoms daily. Many days, I was unable to get out of bed and if I could it was for short periods of time. In this fashion I took care of the household duties. I had disabling pain, fevers and other symptoms that came upon me without notice, swelling and joint pain that made it impossible to move. The side effects of the medications I took, and continue to take, caused another set of issues for me. At times, I wondered which was worse. I was determined not to let this be my legacy. I wanted to work and be a contributing member of society. So, I began thinking of how to make that a reality. I knew that I would not be able to work at a traditional job or hours. No employer would allow for my symptoms to lessen or subside in order to continue to perform my duties. I could not ask to go home and return later to complete my job. However, if I was self employed, I would be able to work aroundmy illnesses and disabilities. I could be flexible with my hours. The thought gave me great hope for a positive future! 2. Catalyst

Intra-muros

Forme carcérale récente de gouvernement de la jeunesse délinquante, l’établissement pénitentiaire pour mineurs (EPM) se prête à une décentration du regard sociologique propre à appréhender la détention par le bas. Une sociologie des expériences de détention permet ainsi de saisir les initiatives entreprises par les jeunes prisonniers afin de parvenir à une mise en scène de soi constituant le moyen privilégié d’amélioration de leur quotidien carcéral. Soumis à la double contrainte consistant à répondre aux exigences des différents professionnels intervenant dans l’institution tout en satisfaisant aux attentes et codes des codétenus, les adolescents incarcérés font valoir une posture biface qui conditionne leur vie en prison. Regroupés au sein de nombreuses activités collectives organisées dans des environnements partagés, les mineurs tentent de tirer parti des dispositions spatio-temporelles présentées par l’EPM pour faire la démonstration, plus ou moins ostensiblement, de leurs capacités à investir des comportements et des conduites susceptibles de leur garantir la production d’une impression idéalisée d’eux-mêmes livrée à tous.

Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Short-Term Correctional Institutions

Young persons entering US jails and youth detention facilities have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added STD screening guidelines specific to correctional settings to the 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines. This article summarizes published evidence from 1990 to 2009 used to develop the recommendations. The literature supports routine screening of adolescents and young women (aged ≤35 years, or on the basis of local institutional prevalence data) for chlamydia and gonorrhea because of high prevalence and the subsequent risk of adverse reproductive outcomes. Chlamydia positivity among young women (aged <20 years) in juvenile detention facilities and adult facilities is more than 14%. Men in correctional settings are also at high risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Among boys in juvenile detention facilities, chlamydia positivity is estimated at 6.6%; among young men in adult facilities, positivity is 16.6%. Screening men (to reduce sequelae among women) should be considered based on local epidemiology and resource availability. Syphilis screening is not strongly supported in published literature because of low prevalence and is not routinely recommended; however, some screening may be warranted based on local prevalence. Although there is a great diversity in the organization of correctional facilities, implementation of screening recommendations is possible owing to improvements in test technology (urine specimens) and through integration of a standard screening protocol. Based on the high burden of disease and substantial opportunities to reach a high-risk population, correctional facilities are important venues to target efforts to control STDs.

Factors Affecting Juvenile Care Workers’ Intent to Continue Working in Juvenile Corrections

Employee turnover in social service organizations such as juvenile corrections poses a major problem for both administrators and frontline juvenile care workers (JCWs). Prior to turnover, many employees contemplate such an action; this is referred to as turnover intent. Several factors can affect JCWs’ decisions about whether to work in a facility or leave. The current study examined some of these factors using an integrated theory of person–environment fit and social identity. Findings indicate that perceived attitudes congruence (AC) between the juvenile detention staff and the climate of the facility was a significant predictor of intent to continue working as a juvenile staff. Results also revealed that juvenile staff strongly identified with their professional role as a salient part of their self-concept and individuals’ perceptions of shared attitudes with coworkers contributed to their professional identity. Perceived AC then predicted intent to continue working as a JCW. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Attachment bonding of delinquent adolescents

Main objective of this research is to define adolescence bonding as well as to identify their typical bonding type. The bonding was observed in two ways. The analysis was based on seven attachment dimensions that were defined by N. Hanak, as well as on the basis of Bartholomew?s four-style attachment model. The research was conducted at multiple sites: two secondary schools in Sombor, the Juvenile Correctional Institution in Krusevac and the Juvenile Correctional Facility in Nis. It included 524 persons, 421 adolescents and 103 delinquents. Adolescents are the second and the third grade students of the Secondary Technical School and the Second?ary School of Economics, while delinquents were testable juveniles. All of them are under correctional measures in the above mentioned institutions. All results are in accordance with the theoretical expectations. Delinquents attach in insecure way more frequently: 68, 9% delinquents from our sample showed insecure attachment. The fearful type of attachment appears to be typical of delinquents. Delinquents are facing difficulties in obtaining support of close persons, as well as in using significant persons they are related to as safe harbours in stressful situations. In addition, they would see themselves as not worthy of attention and love. There is a high level of painful feelings related to childhood and family, as well as ambivalent and nega?tive current family relations.

Resilience after maltreatment: The importance of social services as facilitators of positive adaptation

This practice note will show that resilience among children who have been maltreated is the result of multiple protective factors, including the quality of the services provided to children exposed to chronic adversity. This social ecological perspective of resilience suggests that resilience is a process resulting from interactions between individuals and their environments, and depends upon individual characteristics (temperament and personality), the social determinants of health that affect children and children's families, formal interventions by multiple service providers (child welfare, special education, mental health, addictions, public health, and juvenile corrections), and the social policies that influence service provision to vulnerable populations. Clinicians and researchers concerned with the resilience of chronically abused and neglected children have tended to overlook the protective processes unique to children who have been abused that are different from the protective processes that promote positive development among children who have experienced no maltreatment. Most importantly, studies of resilience among maltreated children have rarely investigated the impact child welfare interventions have on the resilience of children who have been maltreated, mistakenly attributing children's abilities to cope to be the result of individual factors rather than the responsiveness of service providers and governments to tailor interventions to children's needs. To enhance the likelihood of resilience among maltreated children, those who design and implement interventions need to address three aspects of resilience-related programming: make social supports and formal services more available and accessibility; design programs flexibly so that they can respond to the differential impact specific types of interventions have on children who are exposed to different forms of maltreatment; and design interventions to be more focused on subpopulations of children who have experienced maltreatment rather than diffuse population-wide initiatives.

The Effect of a Cognitive Treatment Program for Male and Female Juvenile Offenders

This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention treatment program for juvenile offenders, which is called the Juvenile Cognitive Intervention Program. The program was provided to incarcerated delinquents at three juvenile correctional facilities in Wisconsin. The results indicated that using the How I Think (HIT) Questionnaire as a measure of change, significant improvement in reducing cognitive distortions were found across age groups and gender, and included individuals who were unable to successfully complete the program the first time and then completed it successfully. The HIT is a measure of cognitive distortions that are associated with delinquent thinking patterns and behavior. Cognitive change is a major focus of treatment programs in juvenile corrections as there has been substantive research demonstrating a link to reduced delinquent and later criminal behavior.

Predictors of Turnover Intention Among Staff in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Staff turnover poses challenges for many correctional organizations. Though a growing body of research exists on turnover intention in adult corrections, few studies have examined the topic in juvenile corrections, and none have measured organizational commitment—a variable known to predict turnover intent in adult corrections. Using survey data, this study examines the utility of personal characteristics, work environment variables, and job attitudes in predicting intentions of staff in juvenile correctional facilities to quit their jobs within 12 months following survey administration. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment were the best predictors. In turn, considerable variability in these two job attitudes was explained by work environment variables. Implications are discussed for future research and for improving the work environment to better control turnover.

Young People with Complex Needs: Designing Coordinated Interventions to Promote Resilience across Child Welfare, Juvenile Corrections, Mental Health and Education Services

Young people with complex needs (YPCNs) use multiple services that are often poorly coordinated despite the best efforts of social workers to act as case managers. Based on two case studies from research with 116 youth who are multiple service users in Atlantic Canada, six principles for the design of services are suggested reflecting both this study's findings and the broader literature on YPCNs. Services that are (i) multi-level, (ii) coordinated, (iii) continuous over time, (iv) negotiated with users, (v) provided along a continuum from least to most intrusive and (vi) shown to be effective are more likely to meet the long-term needs of youth facing the cumulative disadvantages of family, community, school and individual challenges.