NCJ Number
25973
Date Published
1973
Length
44 pages
Annotation
REPORT OF A PROJECT TO ANALYZE THE JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY CURRENTLY USED IN POLK COUNTY (IA) AND EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES.
Abstract
THE CHARACTERISTIC JUVENILE POPULATION IN DETENTION WAS STUDIED TO UNDERSTAND THE REASONS FOR DETENTION AND TYPES OF JUVENILES DETAINED AT MEYER HALL, THE COUNTY FACILITY. ALTERNATIVES EXAMINED INCLUDE INCREASED USE OF RELATIVES, TEMPORARY FOSTER HOMES, THE COUNTY SHELTER CARE FACILITY, AND INTENSIVE SUPERVISION IN LIEU OF DETENTION. A SURVEY OF COUNTY PROBATION OFFICERS REVEALED THAT REFERRAL TO MEYER HALL MOST OFTEN WAS BASED ON THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE CHILD WOULD NOT APPEAR AT TRIAL IF NOT DETAINED. SURVEY RESULTS WERE INCONCLUSIVE IN THE AREA OF DETENTION ALTERNATIVES DUE TO A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING BY THOSE SURVEYED OF THE ASSESSORS' MEANING OF 'INTENSIVE SUPERVISION'.