NCJ Number
9134
Date Published
1973
Length
31 pages
Annotation
DETAILED DATA ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ALL FIRST COMMITMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA YOUTH AUTHORITY, COVERING JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL COURT MALES AND FEMALES.
Abstract
THE NUMBER OF WARDS COMMITTED TO THE YOUTH AUTHORITY PEAKED IN 1965 AND THEN DROPPED STEADILY TO ABOUT HALF OF THAT NUMBER BY 1971. COMMITMENTS FOR NARCOTIC AND DRUG OFFENSES SHOWED THE GREATEST PROPORTIONAL INCREASE OF ANY CATEGORY DURING THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD, REACHING A NEW HIGH IN 1971. COMMITMENTS FOR OFFENSES AGAINST PERSONS ALSO INCREASED, WHILE COMMITMENTS FOR OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY DECREASED. MEDIAN AGE AT COMMITMENT INCREASED MORE THAN ONE YEAR OVER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS EXAMINED INCLUDE ETHNIC GROUPS, PRIOR RECORD, PARENTS MARITAL STATUS, RELIGION, SCHOOL, FRIENDS AND TATTOOS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)