NCJ Number
152299
Date Published
1992
Length
44 pages
Annotation
After describing the conditions that precipitated juvenile correctional reform in Arkansas and Arizona, this booklet profiles the reform measures currently underway.
Abstract
In Arkansas, juvenile courts were declared unconstitutional. The Arkansas Constitution was amended so that a juvenile court system could be created. Also, largely stimulated by Federal class action lawsuits targeted at their juvenile correction and child welfare systems, Arkansas officials developed plans to overhaul their children's services and appropriate the funds to develop and upgrade programs. Arizona's youth corrections system was in danger of becoming a junior prison system. Arizona's youth corrections system was housed in the adult Department of Corrections. Under a mandate from the legislature, the Director of the Department of Corrections was trying to operate Arizona's juvenile institutions the same way he operated Arizona's adult prisons. This policy led to a class action suit. The litigation has resulted in enlightened changes. With support by Governors Mofford and Symington, a Select Commission on Juvenile Corrections and a new youth corrections director, Arizona's youth corrections system is being reformed. A 5-year plan is focusing on the achievement of credibility, integrated decisionmaking, total quality management, partnerships with the private and public sectors, responsible management, safe institutions, cost-effective programs and services, and accountability. 9 references